If Liverpool are to once again challenge for major honours, Jurgen Klopp may require more than £100 million to revamp his squad, but TheHardTackle names 4 players who can be brought to Anfield for that amount.
There has been a lot of talk about a ‘revolution’ that is set to take place at Stamford Bridge. But Jurgen Klopp’s Anfield revolution is one of equal importance and the amount of money he is assigned and how he spends the amount will be key to the future of the club. Though the German did lead the Reds to two finals with the squad he had, they failed to finish the season with a trophy or qualify for a Champions League spot.
It is clear that reinforcements are needed at Anfield, and we analyse how Liverpool could strengthen itself with a £100 million war-chest.
Yacine Brahimi: £46 million
Jurgen Klopp’s side lack proper wingers. There is very little attacking threat from the wings. Milner, Coutinho, Ibe have all been deployed on the wings, without much effect.
The 26-year-old Yacine Brahimi was rumoured to have caught the attention of the Reds after a series of great performances in the the Portuguese Super Lig and in the Champions League. Since moving to Porto in 2014, he has gone on to become one of the best attacking players on the continent. An integral part of Porto’s attack, he can be deployed as a winger or an attacking midfielder.
He would be a perfect fit for Jurgen Klopp’s side. A fast, pacey, versatile midfield player with a great work ethic, all compulsory qualities if one is to break into any Jurgen Klopp side. His flair and skill with the ball is what makes him a fan favourite at the Estadio do Dragao. Those moments of magic have been labelled as the “Momentos Brahimi”or “Brahimi moments”. Brahimi would be available for around £46 million and he would certainly live up to the billing.
Joao Mario: £9 million
The young Portuguese Joao Mario has matured into a fine player this season after his exploits at Sporting CP. He has been a first team regular since 2014 after a brief loan spell at Vitoria Setubal. He played a key role in their season and helped the Lions finish second on the Portuguese Super Lig table. He can be deployed as a right winger or in the center of midfield.
His exploits have seen him get linked with Liverpool this season. The 23-year-old has been valued at £9 million by transfermarkt. He is a big physical presence and his tireless running up and down the pitch would immediately endear him to the Anfield crowd. He will be representing his country at the upcoming Euros and will be integral to Portugal’s squad if they’re to make a deep run into the tournament.
Ruben Neves: £32 million
The Reds will be looking to beef up their options in midfield seeing that Jordan Henderson, Emre Can, Lucas and James Milner all having injury woes and are unable to live up to the mark consistently. Porto’s Ruben Neves is one of the young midfielders who have been linked with a move to Anfield over the summer.
Neves is primarily used as a defensive midfielder but isn’t afraid to maraud forward in attacking moves. He plays deep and helps his team transition from defence to attack. His great passing ability, vision and movement show a maturity well beyond his years.
The 19-year-old broke into the scene in 2014 and has featured regularly for Porto this past season. In October last year, the youngster became the youngest player to start as Captain in the Champions League, aged only 18. A huge achievement which has seen him catch the eye of many top European clubs, including Liverpool.
Kieran Gibbs: £12 million
Liverpool’s problems in defence have been well documented this season. Moreno’s inconsistency has been painful to watch at times for the Anfield faithful. This is a factor in Liverpool being on the lookout for a full-back to replace him, or at the very least give him some competition.
In his 10 years as an Arsenal player, he has gone on to make more than 200 appearances for the Gunners. He has won 10 caps for his country after making his debut in 2010. Arsenal’s Kieran Gibbs is the latest name to be linked with a move to Liverpool. The 26-year-old Englishman would bring a wealth of experience to Merseyside after having spent his entire career in the top flight with the Gunners. He has seen his spot being taken away by Nacho Monreal over the past couple of seasons and has seen his game time get gradually reduced. Given Liverpool’s problems, a move to Merseyside would be very well suited to the Reds and for the Englishman.
Possible Lineup
Formation(4-2-3-1): Karius; Gibbs, Matip, Sakho, Clyne; Neves,Henderson; Brahimi, Coutinho, Mario; Sturridge
