Glen Johnson has advised Liverpool to make statement signings and considers Italy duo Lorenzo Insigne and Marco Verratti as the ideal reinforcements.
As Liverpool boss, Jurgen Klopp has carefully built a squad, spending big on a few players while also making some shrewd investments. Today, amid the chaos caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the German manager has a good enough team to compete on all fronts without the need to spend big on multiple positions.
Ibrahima Konate has been the only value addition this summer, signed right at the start of the window from RB Leipzig in a deal worth £38 million. Finances are reportedly rough at the Merseyside club, and it is believed Liverpool would have to some of the sell existing players to fund new transfers.
There are enough personnel in important positions, although there are concerns regarding the form of a few. Once considered a significant buy from Arsenal, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has failed to live up to expectations, with injuries halting his progress, meaning he could be up for sale. Naby Keita is another player who has not delivered on the promise.
Additionally, Liverpool need a viable replacement for Georgino Wijnaldum, who joined Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer, and surprisingly, not many players are linked currently. Additionally, Liverpool are also dealing with the contract issue with captain Jordan Henderson, as many believe he might evaluate his options soon.
Last season, Klopp gave plenty of game-time to youngster Curtis Jones, who is expected to play a crucial role this season. In Henderson, Jones, Thiago Alcantara and Fabinho, Liverpool have a good enough midfield to target trophies this upcoming season. Yet, there feels a need to make new signings, as the squad looks somewhat incomplete.
Former Liverpool right-back Glen Johnson has been talking to BettingOdds.com on multiple transfer stories. While Johnson loves a dream signing, his latest advice for the Reds was to make two statement signings before the transfer window slams shut. Johnson suggests the Reds should go for Lorenzo Insigne and Marco Verratti, calling them ‘winners’.
The Liverpool icon said, “I really like Lorenzo Insigne. He’s been brilliant for years, but he performed very well during the Euros. I just enjoy the way he plays, and I think he would suit Liverpool too. I like Marco Verratti as well. They’re two huge names, so it’s not rocket science choosing them as ideal signings for Liverpool.”
“During the Euros, you could see both of their desire to win, and that’s what’s needed if you’re going to win league titles. You need those sorts of characters.”
While the Italian duo would be a welcome addition to any Premier League side, Liverpool may not be able to afford them, let alone learn about their desire to leave existing clubs. While Insigne is the main man at Napoli, Verratti has become untouchable at PSG.
These are players considered too valuable by their respective clubs, and there is little chance either Napoli or PSG allow the Italian duo to leave, especially so late in the window. While Liverpool might need new faces to join up soon enough, they might have to look elsewhere.
