Why Signing Van Dijk And Thomas Lemar Would Be Massive For Liverpool
Liverpool were having a tedious summer transfer window despite bringing in Mohamed Salah, Dominic Solanke, and Andrew Robertson. They desperately needed to strengthen their squad with a few more quality inclusions, but the unavailability of prime transfer targets along with unwillingness of Philippe Coutinho to continue at Liverpool turned Anfield into a frenzy of rage.
Klopp, as well as club’s owners, were being blamed for their stubbornness and lack of transfer activity, however, things took a massive ‘U-turn’ at Merseyside after securing a Champions League group stage berth which was followed by an incredible 4-0 triumph against Arsenal.
They have reportedly struck a couple of massive deals in closing hours of the transfer window and are set to land AS Monaco sensation Thomas Lemar as well as Dutchman Virgil Van Dijk. Lemar the 21-year-old French international has been coveted by Arsenal throughout this window, but the Gunners ended negotiations following a hefty asking fee.
Liverpool have confirmed the signing of Guinean midfielder Naby Keita on Tuesday after prolonged negotiations with his current side RB Leipzig. The player will join them next summer and the Reds have paid a premium on top of his buyout clause of £48m that will be activated next year.
Why Thomas Lemar?
The young Frenchman took Ligue1 by storm and played a key role in Monaco’s league winning campaign. Lemar netted 14 times and assisted 17 goals in 55 outings last season and is hailed for his set-piece taking ability, crossing, passing, dribbling, and versatility.
He can play on the wings or in a central attacking role. Lemar can be sighted as want-away Philippe Coutinho’s replacement and despite Monaco’s reluctance to sell him this late in the window (with a couple of bids having been rejected), the Reds are hopeful of striking a fee worth £75m+Divock Origi.
The Van Dijk Saga
Liverpool were forced to ask for a public apology following Southampton’s report of ‘tapping up’ Van Dijk, early in the window. But the deal might get its conclusion now after complete non-cooperation from player’s camp and a fee of £70m might be enough to break the Saints’ resilience. Van Dijk will slot straight in the Reds’ back-line alongside Joel Matip and is believed to offer imposing aerial and physical ability, sense of positioning and passing, along with tackling, blocking, intercepting – the skills one needs in order to be a top-notch centre-back.
Both Lemar and Van Dijk are world class inclusions and will increase Liverpool’s squad strength enormously. Lemar will add massive influence alongside their lethal attacking trio of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, and Roberto Firmino, whereas Van Dijk will bring back discipline and composure to their back-line in order to sort out their defensive frailty.
The depth in the squad will help them to concentrate on four major competitions this season and the quality they have (in case they manage to bring both of them in) will turn them into serious Premier League title contenders, alongside the Manchester clubs and defending champions Chelsea. The elusive league title that the Reds have been waiting for might finally arrive this season.