Liverpool have had a great start to this season and they are looking like genuine contenders for the title, given their second place in the league table. However, with the winter transfer window open now, manager Jurgen Klopp will be looking to make key additions to certain areas of the pitch to further his side’s bid for the title. And according to recent reports, Liverpool are chasing RB Leipzig winger Emil Forsberg in the January transfer window.
Wide areas are something Klopp would definitely like to improve, given their star man Philippe Coutinho’s recent injury and Sadio Mane’s absence due to his involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal. And as per these reports, the German is willing to sanction a £20 million for the Swedish international, who has been in fine form for the newly promoted Leipzig side in the German Bundesliga.
The 25-year old who first caught the eye with some decent showings for the Swedish National Team in the Euro 2016, has been putting on some excellent displays for RB Leipzig as they mount a surprise title challenge in the German top division. Having appeared in 14 of the 15 games in Bundesliga this term, Forsberg has managed to score 5 times and is the second leading scorer for his team behind only Timo Werner, who has scored 8 goals. The Swedish international also has assisted 7 goals for his teammates this term, highest among the Leipzig squad and joint best in the Bundesliga alongside Borussia Dortmund winger Ousmane Dembele.
Forsberg, primarily a right-footed player, prefers to play out wide on the left, but can also play through the middle as a No.10, as he has done for RB Leipzig this term. Having joined the German team in the winter of 2015 from Malmo FF, Forsberg has gone on to make 64 appearances during his time for Die Bullen, scoring 13 goals.
Excellent with the ball at his feet, the Swede has a penchant for going past defenders with ease and possesses a keen eye for a pass. He has the ability to split open defences with excellent through balls and at the same time, he offers a great threat from long-range efforts and set-pieces alike. And the 25-year old is equally helpful in defence and isn’t one to shy away from putting in his defensive shifts.
With his pace and dribbling abilities, he poses a huge danger to opponents on the counter-attack. And given his impressive work-rate, Forsberg could be a great fit for the way Liverpool play under Klopp. He may not the be the star name The Kop would like to see arrive at Anfield, but he surely looks like a player who will get the job done and who will make a telling contribution in the absence of key men like Coutinho and Mane. Liverpool will only benefit from signing the Swedish star and they should look to snap him up as early as possible.