da aposte e ganhe： [long_read]
da wazamba： After years of building, Liverpool are finally back among Europe’s elite with Jurgen Klopp at the helm.
The Reds 2-0 win over Tottenham in the Champions League final brought the Merseyside club their sixth European Cup and showed the world the Liverpool are back stronger than ever, but that doesn’t mean there is no room for improvement.
Regularly making slight tweaks to the starting XI with a new player or two is how teams build dynasties and, for Liverpool, they should be aiming to do the same this summer transfer market. So who are the five main targets for the club heading into the window, and will they actually improve the side going into next season?
[snack_break title=”Memphis Depay”]
It’s one of those rumours that will never seem to go away, but here we are in the year 2019, and Memphis Depay is still being linked with a move to Liverpool by the likes of the Express.
The former Manchester United flop has been a revelation since his move to Lyon, leading the club to the Champions League final in two seasons and forming a reputation as one of the most dangerous attackers in Ligue 1. But a move to Liverpool would be a step in the wrong direction for Depay.
Unless Jurgen Klopp has plans to ship off talisman Roberto Firmino, the Dutch international would be a luxury substitute player at best on Merseyside, with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane proving this season to be some of the best wingers in world football, leaving no room for Depay in the squad.
[snack_break title=”Matthijs de Ligt”]
One name who has been mentioned a lot in recent weeks with a move to Liverpool is Ajax captain and wonderkid Matthijs de Ligt, with the Express recently reporting that agent Mino Raiola would prefer his teenage client move to the interested Merseysiders over the likes of Barcelona.
De Ligt is without question one of the best centre-backs in world football a player who will solidify Liverpool’s status within the elite for years to come. Partnered alongside international teammate Virgil van Dijk, the duo can form one of the best defensive pairings in European football.
The 19-year-old would be an exceptional coup for Liverpool, and it won’t be surprising to see Klopp put De Ligt at the top of his transfer list this summer.
[snack_break title=”Max Kruse”]
One thing Liverpool have been exceptional at in the past few seasons under Klopp is finding value in the market, with the likes of Andy Robertson and Joe Matip just a few of the Germans exceptional finds.
The latest name to be added to that list could be Max Kruse, who according to the Daily Star is in talks with the Champions League winners for a move.
The veteran striker who has spent his entire career in the Bundesliga would act as a backup for main striker Firmino, but if there’s one thing Liverpool could do with this summer, it’s quality options on the bench, and Kruse more than fits the bill.
Although Divock Origi has firmly placed himself amongst the greats at Liverpool after his Champions League heroics, Kruse would be a more reliable option off the bench next season having scored 11 and assisted nine this season alone for Werder Bremen in the league.
[snack_break title=”Samuel Chukwueze”]
Keeping up the theme with better options off the bench, Villarreal winger Samuel Chukwueze is a name that has also been linked heavily with a move to Liverpool, per Goal, and just like Kruse, the attacker would be an ideal signing for Klopp.
The Nigerian attacker had a breakout year in Spain with the Yellow Submarine, and at just 20-years-old Chukwueze would certainly be a signing for the future, but that doesn’t mean he will be immediately shipped out on loan.
Able to play on both wings, Chukwueze will provide excellent cover for both Salah and Mane in midweek matches and cup competitions, giving Liverpool’s star men valuable rest whilst giving the promising youngster first-team football.
[snack_break title=”Bruno Fernandes”]
“I like Liverpool a lot more [than Man City]. It’s a more direct [style of play], more offensive, maybe less organised, but more intense football.”
Those were the words of Sporting Lisbon star Bruno Fernandes to Portuguese publication Record via the Liverpool Echo, who has been a reported Liverpool target, per Record (via Daily Mirror), for some time, and just like Depay, would be an ideal fit for the club.
The attacking midfielder will not only add a slew of goals from either central midfield in a 4-3-3 or behind the striker in a 4-2-3-1, but also a burst of creativity that has been lacking since Philippe Coutinho left nearly 18 months ago. Fernandes is also an expert of scoring from distance, with 5 goals scored from outside the box in all-competitions last season, making the Lisbon star a near-like-for-like replacement for the now Barcelona man.
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