With the end of the Premier League season on the horizon, Liverpool can officially start preparing for life after Jurgen Klopp. Earning himself legendary status at the club, the former Borussia Dortmund boss can leave Anfield safe in the knowledge that the English giants are in a better place. Liverpool’s squad requires some surgery in the summer months, though.
Liverpool are still behind Manchester City
Despite significantly closing the gap on big-spenders Manchester City in recent times, Liverpool are still behind the Citizens. In a season of transition after wholesale changes last summer, Liverpool have perhaps exceeded expectations from their early-season Premier League title odds to remain in the race until the season’s final weeks, before their recent wobble.
Klopp’s departure is sure to cause some angst at Anfield, though likely replacement Arne Slot will inherit a club with plenty going for it. While clubs battling to beat the odds and survive Premier League relegation require major surgery, Liverpool have a strong core and require just a sprinkling of quality in key areas.
Below are five linked players who could make a real difference next season.
Jarrod Bowen could replace Salah
Liverpool are facing the potential prospect of having to replace Mohamed Salah in the summer, with the Egyptian star continually linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League.
Should one of their best ever players depart, then West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen is viewed as the perfect replacement. Jurgen Klopp has regularly praised the England international, who has been on the radar of the Reds’ recruitment team for some time. Bowen would stylistically slot into the Liverpool side, he knows the English game, and he’s capable of lighting up Anfield.
Twenty goals so far this season for @_JarrodBowen ???? pic.twitter.com/iPVemgzBY4
— West Ham United (@WestHam) May 2, 2024
Geertruida a familiar face for Slot?
Transfer speculation surrounding Lutsharel Geertruida and Liverpool has ramped up since the defender attended the club’s draw with West Ham last month. The Dutchman has progressed through the Feyenoord academy to establish himself as one of the leading young talents in the Eredivisie, working under incoming Liverpool boss Arne Slot.
Predominantly a right-back but with the versatility to play centrally, Geertruida’s arrival could aid Trent Alexander-Arnold’s evolution into midfield. He will have just 12 months to run on his deal in Rotterdam in the summer and could be available for a cut-price fee.
Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz is an option
Although the Brazilian has also been linked with a move to Arsenal, Douglas Luiz is a talented player Liverpool have reportedly been mulling over.
According to reports, Luiz is being discussed internally at the club after impressing for Aston Villa. If Liverpool target another defensive midfielder, then he fits the bill. Luiz is comfortable on the ball, strong in the tackle, and capable of chipping in with goals and assists from his deep-lying area of the pitch.
Fulham’s Joao Palhinha is linked
Another midfield anchor that the Merseysiders have been linked with previously, Fulham’s Joao Palhinha is capable of providing some much-needed protection in front of Liverpool’s defence.
After enjoying an impressive debut campaign last season, Palhinha’s stock rose. Now, with scouts from Liverpool and other clubs watching him, Fulham’s resolve might be tested for the former Sporting Lisbon linchpin.
He will turn 29 in the summer, but is a prolific ball-winner and would represent an upgrade as Liverpool’s midfield enforce.
Most duels and tackles won in the last 2 PL seasons:
666 — João Palhinha
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615… pic.twitter.com/tiQl6xL03u— StatMuse FC (@statmusefc) April 26, 2024
Teun Koopmeiners is a player Liverpool are aware of
After succumbing to his Atalanta side in the Europa League quarter-finals, Liverpool’s hierarchy will be fully aware of the undoubted quality Teun Koopmeiners possesses.
The 26-year-old midfielder has been linked to the club in the past, but fresh reports are beginning to emerge as the Reds looks to strengthen a key area of the pitch.
With Liverpool scouts watching him in Serie A, Koopmeiners’ goalscoring exploits from midfield will have caught the eye. A versatile player, he has scored 11 league goals this season, and the Dutchman has suggested he will seek an exit in the summer window.
Arne Slot, who worked with the midfielder at AZ Alkmaar, knows him well.
Read – Ranking the best young players in world football right now
See more – Arne Slot to Liverpool: Everything we know so far as transfer fee agreed
