It will be a busy summer for Liverpool with a number of reinforcements needed as several first-team players look set to depart. We run the rule over some potential recruits.
Liverpool is set for a busy off-season this summer as a number of established names look set to leave Anfield to be replaced by several new recruits. Here we take a look at some of the names the Reds have been linked with in recent weeks.
Of course, with Liverpool expected to look mainly at strengthening in problem areas such as in midfield and at center-back, it is not surprising that the bulk of the players Jürgen Klopp’s side has been linked with of late operate in those positions. Some names do keep cropping up and there are certain players, such as Jude Bellingham of Borussia Dortmund, who most sides in Europe would happily have as part of their squad.
The Reds cannot just sign a flurry of superstars this summer and it is more likely that Klopp’s staff have been tasked with identifying some more economically-favorable signings as well. The parameters of what would constitute a ‘good’ signing probably differs position-by-position and so the players that Liverpool ends up buying will likely be of differing experience levels, depending on the existing options that are already at the club.
The likes of James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keïta, Arthur Melo and Roberto Firmino are all currently set to leave at the end of this season, with question marks reportedly remaining over the futures of defenders Joël Matip and Nat Phillips. With that in mind, it would not be a major surprise to see some of the following names come in as replacements in the summer.
Here are the top 10 players who have been linked with a move to Anfield in the next transfer window…
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António Silva- SL Benfica
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António Silva is just 19-years-old but his potential is already clear, having already made a big impression for Benfica and having made his international bow back in November.
The center-back would be an excellent understudy to first-choice pair Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté at Liverpool.
The two-time international has been a ‘target’ for Liverpool for many months now, according to Fabrizio Romano. Given the reported interest from other big European clubs, this would be a coup for the Reds.
(Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Mason Mount- Chelsea
First reported by The Guardian, it has been widely mooted that the 25-year-old could represent an astute purchase for the Reds if Chelsea does look to cash in on its asset.
Given his top-level experience, competition for his signature is likely to be fierce but there is no doubt that he would bring a lot to this Liverpool team with his energy and creativity.
(Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)
João Palhinha- Fulham
An impressive campaign at Craven Cottage will have gone down well with potential suitors and his steely approach to midfield play is something Liverpool has lacked at points this season.
With Manchester United also thought to be interested in the $73m (£60m/€68m)-rated former Sporting man’s services (via the Daily Mail), this is another transfer that could end up developing into a bit of a saga.
(Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
Adrien Rabiot- Juventus
The Frenchman is available on a free transfer this summer and would be an asset for any side in need of experience in midfield. His starring role in the heart of midfield as his country made the World Cup final only months ago, reasserted his quality.
Liverpool could end up with a world-class midfielder for nothing if they can convince Rabiot to make the move, which Gazzetta dello Sport (print edition via Sport Witness) has suggested they might.
(Photo by Sportinfoto/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
