Paul Merson details why Raul Jimenez would be a great addition to Liverpool’s ranks, claiming he could be the ‘bigger version’ of Roberto Firmino.
Jurgen Klopp might look to somewhat freshen up his forward line by bringing in key reinforcements. The future of star man Mohamed Salah remains hanging in the balance with a new contract yet to be agreed, while Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane will have just a year left on their deals after the current season.
The trio has been directly responsible for Liverpool’s success over the years, helping the club win the Champions League and Premier League titles. They are proving their mettle once again as the Reds remain in firm contention for all honours this term, although things could change beyond the current campaign.
There is already talk of signing a new centre-forward, which puts Firmino’s role in limbo at the club. Links to signing Erling Haaland have emerged, although it’s unlikely the club will pay his wage demands.
Irrespective of a star striker arriving, Liverpool will have to buy one to offset the probable departure of Divock Origi. Hence, in his column with the Daily Star, Paul Merson insists on the club signing Raul Jimenez, who could compete with Firmino for the centre-forward role.
Merson wrote, “They need someone to come in while Sadio Mane and Mo Salah are away, yes. But I think they need someone for the future too. They need a player who can put pressure on the front three and help them win league titles consistently for the next few years. It’s no good coming second for the next five years.
“Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino are very good players, but I still think they need a proper centre forward, and if they brought in Jimenez, he would play. He wouldn’t need to play every week, but he would get game time. Liverpool plays so many games a season, and he could give them something different. He’s a bigger version of Firmino, who scores more goals.
“He can come short and has that vision. And he has played with Jota enough times at Wolves. I think he ticks the boxes. I think it’s a nice signing that would come in and not kick up a stink if he isn’t playing every week. That’s what they need,” he added.
Jimenez has proven himself in the Premier League, but his age could be a huge factor in Liverpool’s decision. Keeping the long-term future in mind, Klopp could be tempted to invest a significant sum in a younger striker than the 30-year-old Mexican.