5 Player Liverpool Could Realistically Sign This Transfer Window

Since Jurgen Klopp took over at Anfield in October 2015, Liverpool have gone from strength-to-strength. The Reds have won a monumental first league title in 30 years, and their German manager is a key reason why. His charismatic approach to the game attracts top players from around the globe, and Klopp’s heralded man-management skills are now being emulated across the sport.

However, it is the German manager’s shrewdness in the transfer market that arguably brings the most success, spending less than the likes of Manchester City to sign players such as Virgil van Dijk, Sadio Mane and Mohammed Salah who have all excelled since moving to Anfield.

It is more difficult to lead than it is to chase – and Liverpool now find themselves as the club with a target on its back. They will aim to defend their Premier League title in 2020/21, so who will be on their radar this summer?

After winning the Premier League this season, The Reds have been linked with Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara, who is reportedly ready for a new challenge after seven seasons in the Bundesliga.

The Spanish superstar is ready to move to Anfield (1/4), and Klopp has approved what could be a £40 million transfer – a bargain for a player of Thiago’s quality. Thiago is considered by many to be the heartbeat of Bayern Munich’s midfield, acting as the pulse for a team that is a favourite to triumph in the Champions League after winning the Bundesliga and DFB Pokal already this season.

Liverpool have been heavily linked with Turkish centre-back Ozan Kabak after the Schalke defender had a sensational debut campaign with Schalke.

The defender has been linked with a £35m move to Anfield, a link strengthened by the fact that the German club are managed by David Warner – a renowned close friend of Klopp.

With Schalke in desperate need of financial aid, a sale appears inevitable, with Liverpool reported to have ‘concrete interest’ in the 20-year-old.

Bayern Munich’s winger Kingsley Coman (9/1) has been pegged to follow Thiago to Anfield as Jurgen Klopp eyes some world-class depth in the attacking positions. Liverpool, along with Manchester United, have been linked with the Frenchman, whose pace is feared in the Bundesliga and abroad. He scored just four goals and tallied four assists in the German league last season, but it is Coman’s speed that gives defenders headaches, and causes problems across the pitch.

Certainly the cheaper alternative to Coman, Watford’s Ismaila Sarr has been linked with a move to Liverpool following Watford’s relegation to the Championship.

Liverpool are desperate to add a fast, tricky winger to back-up star duo Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah, and Sarr could be the man. The 22-year-old scored six goals and registered six assists last season, and Sarr scored twice as Watford defeated Liverpool 3-0 to hand the Reds their first league loss of the year.

The Senegalese international will add some quality depth off the bench, and will be available for a cut-price fee due to Watford’s relegation.

It is easy to feel for Philippe Coutinho. Once the star at Anfield under Klopp’s management, he left Liverpool to go to the Camp Nou to join Barcelona for a reported £105 million, citing his desire to play in high-profile UEFA Champions League ties for one of the two big Spanish clubs.

Ironically, since his departure Liverpool have been immensely successful in Europe, reaching back-to-back Champions League Finals – and winning the cup in 2018-19 with a 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur. With his future up in the air – and Barcelona willing to cut their demands in order to offload the attacking midfielder – a return to Anfield (6/1) could well be on the cards.

The Brazilian has been linked with a number of teams, but has made it clear that a Liverpool return is his preferred choice.

By Andrew Gamble