Despite the fact that the transfer season just began a week ago, Liverpool is still frequently associated with a wide range of players.
This information comes as no surprise because Alexis Mac Allister was merely the first newcomer to enter Anfield during what was always going to be a hectic summer. With Liverpool also looking to add a new centre defender, especially on the left side, at least one new midfielder, if not two, are anticipated to join the World Cup champion in signing for the Reds.
The Reds’ position may become even more precarious if speculation about the futures of players like Caoimhin Kelleher and Kostas Tsimikas is included. And that doesn’t even take into account the rare chance of finding a new forward in the wake of Roberto Firmino’s departure, with Mohamed Salah set to again temporarily leave midseason for the Africa Cup of Nations.
The call for Trent Alexander-Arnold to completely switch to midfield after his good performances in that position for England during the international break is growing louder and louder as observers continue to encourage Liverpool to acquire a new right-back. After James Milner left, Jurgen Klopp’s only other options for his first-choice center-back were Joe Gomez and the young Conor Bradley.
Despite the fact that the transfer season just began a week ago, Liverpool is still frequently associated with a wide range of players.
Because of this, fans were understandably fascinated when the Reds were connected to Benjamin Pavard of Bayern Munich earlier this month. However, Anfield sources would disassociate Liverpool from such rumors, since their current attitude on transfers is that they are not looking to add a new right-back this summer.
Even still, new rumors about a new right-back have continued to circulate after the Reds were unexpectedly connected to Kyle Walker of Man City earlier this week. While acknowledging that a deal was doubtful and that the right-back, who was the subject of £15 million transfer conversations with Bayern Munich, would want to stay at the Etihad, The Daily Mail would indicate that Liverpool had rumored interest in the England international.
Walker’s presence, if the Reds were considering him, would undoubtedly free up Alexander-Arnold to play only in midfield. He would also be able to transition into Liverpool’s version of the hybrid system fairly easily because of his experience playing as a right-sided center-back in a back three, including in Man City’s own inverted full-back system. His pace would also provide the necessary protection for his international teammate when he advances into midfield.
However, just because it makes sense from a positional standpoint on paper doesn’t necessarily mean Walker will join Liverpool anytime soon.
Despite the fact that the transfer seaso
n just began a week ago, Liverpool is still frequently associated with a wide range of players.
The Reds’ transfer policy involving right-backs and left-sided center-backs comes first. Their decision to pass on pursuing such a player this summer makes sense given that Ibrahima Konate and Gomez both possess the speed to play that right-sided center-back position in the inverted full-back formation, with the latter still serving as Alexander-Arnold’s backup as a more conventional right-back.
Liverpool already has to pick their battles in the transfer market wisely since they are unable to access the financial riches of Champions League play and are already unable to match Man City’s level of wealth. Their current top priority is in the middle of the field, followed by a left-sided center defender who might be Virgil van Dijk’s long-term replacement.
At Anfield, you might make a case for a new right-back or forward, but neither position is as urgent right now as the Reds consider which fires in their squad to put out first.
Walker doesn’t suit the profile of the player Liverpool is hoping to sign, in addition to their stance. The Reds struggled last season and had to make do with an elderly roster as they went through a transitional season.
Despite the fact that the transfer season just began a week ago, Liverpool is still frequently associated with a wide range of players.
They now called in Mac Allister, a 24-year-old who is just beginning his prime years, to address such a fact. Beyond him, Liverpool is considering adding players like Khephren Thuram, Ryan Gravenberch, and Gabri Veiga, all of whom are expected to compete in this summer’s Under-21 European Championships.
The same can be true for left-sided centre backs, with Levi Colwill of Chelsea and Micky van den Ven of VfL Wolfsburg both having supporters at Anfield. Both athletes are competing in Georgia and Romania as well. Both of Liverpool’s defenders are under the age of 22, so they can both make an immediate impact on the first team while also looking towards the long term.
Since the beginning of his first full season at Anfield, Klopp has added 33 players, although the only ones who were older than 30 at the time of their signings are Ragnar Klavan, Alex Manninger, Adrian, and Andy Lonergan. AKA a backup centre defender who cost £4.2 million and three backup goalkeepers, two of whom have never played competitively for the team.
Despite the fact that the transfer season just began a week ago, Liverpool is still frequently associated with a wide range of players.
Since Walker just turned 33, it is safe to rule out the possibility that he is the culprit. The idea of bringing in the England international, who will already be making a substantial salary at the Etihad while trying to reach an agreement on a new contract, just doesn’t fit the bill.
Even if we ignore everything else, including Liverpool’s transfer policy and target demographic, one important question still remains. Realistically, will City sell to the Reds? Not in Jurgen Klopp’s opinion.
When asked about Gabriel Jesus’ departure from City last year, the German said, “I don’t know him personally, but I’ve always liked him as a player. “I know City wouldn’t have sold him to any club, but the geographic separation with Arsenal was enough.”
The closest title challengers for City may have been Arsenal last year, but Pep Guardiola had not approved such transfers to the Emirates at the time. The defending Premier League champions should exercise a little more caution this summer.
Since Liverpool has been City’s main title rival for the majority of the past five years and the only team to deprive them of Premier League glory since 2016/17, even though they were miles behind City last season, it is hard to imagine that City will be willing to do business with the Reds at the risk of bolstering their competition and elevating them to title contender status.
Despite the fact that the transfer season just began a week ago, Liverpool is still frequently associated with a wide range of players.
While some would think Liverpool needs to move Alexander-Arnold to midfield and bring in a new right-back, Klopp appears to have different ideas. at least in the short term. Even if the Reds did make a transfer U-turn, it would still come as a shock if they made Walker the subject of a bid this summer, let alone signed him.
