The pre-season has started for Liverpool and it was a winning start as Liverpool defeated Tranmere Rovers. It was an impressive display, with 3 of the 4 new signings starting for Liverpool. The summer so far has been a good one for the Reds. Joel Matip, Marko Grujic, Loris Karius and Sadio Mane are all very good signings and will play an important role next season. But there are a few positions which need recruitments before the campaign starts. Liverpool should have a balanced squad if they want to challenge for the top-4 next season. Jurgen Klopp needs to bring in a left back who can fulfill his defensive duties. Someone who can bring stability to Liverpool’s left wing. Also, Liverpool need goals and for that, a world class striker is necessary. A forward who can score 20 goals in one season will be a very vital signing for Liverpool. Here are 3 players Liverpool need to sign this summer but probably won’t sign.
1.) Jonas Hector
Jonas Hector is one of the best left backs in Europe right now. Liverpool’s left back, Alberto Moreno, did not have a good season. He was heavily criticized for his poor defensive work. Jamie Carragher had stated that if Liverpool want to fight for the top-4, they need to sign a left back before doing anything else. Jonas Hector was at the top of the list of the left backs linked with Liverpool. Hector has come off a very good season for FC Koln in the Bundesliga. He was astute defensively, averaging 2 successful tackles and 2.4 interceptions per game. He is very stable while defending and is good at winning aerial duels. With his pace, he can make darting runs down the left wing and also deliver in good crosses. He registered 4 assists in the Bundesliga last season. He carried this good form into the Euro 2016 and played a key role in Germany’s run to the semi-finals. Liverpool should have signed him by now but the deal seems to have stalled and might not progress this summer.
2.) Gonzalo Higuain
Liverpool had a lot of problems scoring goals last season. For majority of the season, Liverpool did not have an in-form striker. Sturridge had injury issues, Benteke couldn’t adjust to life at Liverpool and Ings was sidelined for almost the full season. Origi was good but he needs to develop in certain areas. Gonzalo Higuain had a record breaking season at Napoli, scoring 36 goals in 35 appearances in the Serie A. Earlier this summer, Higuain had expressed his desire to play under Klopp. Higuain is a perfect striker whose finishing prowess is exceptional. He also has an aerial threat and he can take long shots as well. Higuain is just the sort of striker that Liverpool are looking for. He can help Liverpool qualify for the Champions League and he will be an asset for the Reds. Klopp should have signed Higuain but he will cost somewhere around 80 million pounds. And Liverpool might not be able to afford him at the moment. He is another player that Liverpool should have signed this summer but won’t.
3.) Mario Gotze
Ever since Jurgen Klopp took over as Liverpool’s head coach, Mario Gotze has been linked with Liverpool. Gotze and Liverpool were together during Klopp’s time at Dortmund. It was under Klopp’s guidance that Gotze developed into the player he is right now. Gotze is a very versatile player and can play at almost every position in the attacking half of midfield. Gotze can become Klopp’s utility player and being a creative player, he can reduce the burden on Coutinho’s shoulders. Gotze did not have a good season at Bayern as he made only 14 appearances in the Bundesliga. In 14 games, he scored 3 goals and registered 4 assists which shows the talent that he possesses. He is unhappy with the game time he gets at Bayern Munich and might leave this summer. Liverpool should have signed him by now but it seems that they have pulled out of the race.