by Tiarnan Lockhart (@tiarnnlockhart)
The transfer window opens soon – ESPN sources say from August 4th – and, as per usual, Liverpool are linked with just about every player on the planet.
But the pandemic, which has put a strain on the club’s finances, has forced Liverpool to reassess their transfer plans. As Klopp stated last week: “It’s just not likely that it will be the most busy summer in the world. But maybe at a later point in the year, if the transfer window is still open and we know more, then maybe something could happen.”
Keeping the innumerable challenges of COVID-19 in mind, what then constitutes a ‘realistic’ signing for Liverpool?
Below are four. Disagree? Comment below.
Thiago Alacantra
Thiago is heavily linked with a move to Merseyside. The Spaniard’s contract at Bayern is moving into its final year, possibly meaning that – if you believe the media – the midfielder is available for a cut-price fee of £32 million. Manager Hansi Flick has made it clear that the 29-year-old is keen to move away from the German giants.
But the fee – hardly astronomical I know – may prove too substantial in this climate. The Reds, you’d assume, would have to sell before they can buy if they are to stand a chance of affording Thiago and, of course, his hefty wage package (likely to be well above 100k a week).
So if the Reds are to work within their means to sign Thiago, a lot depends on if Liverpool decide to cash in, or if they regrettably lose, members of the current crop.
Contract talks with Gini Wijnaldum are moving slowly with only a year left on his current deal, leaving fans to wonder if his future lies elsewhere. What is clear, however, is that we’ll be seeing a lot mote of Curtis Jones next season. Jones bagged a goal on his premier league debut in the win over Aston Villa last Sunday.
Jamal Lewis
The 21-year-old could provide back-up to Andy Robertson at left-back.
With the Canaries now relegated, the highly-rated Northern Irishman is likely to leave the club, especially since he’s reportedly on a mere £5k a week.
Left-back cover is arguably the most gaping hole in Liverpool’s squad, and so a move for the precocious Lewis would make an awful lot of sense.
Willian
The Brazilian’s contract expires at the end of the campaign, and is yet to sign an extension with Chelsea.
If he’s available on a free, William seems a no brainer. Indeed, he’s proven at this level and would be a classy back-up to the front three. With Xerdan Shaquiri likely to be offloaded this summer, the Chelsea man could (and perhaps should) be top of the wishlist.
However the attacker turns 32 soon (and demands a large wage). So it’s a case of weighing up the pros and cons on this one.
Todd Cantwell
TalkSport reported – pre lockdown – that the young midfielder is valued at around £30 million.
But with the current market price drop, he could be a lot cheaper. The 22-year-old has scored six goals and contributed two assists this season, winning plenty of plaudits under Daniel Farke.
Forwards Takumi Minamino, Jones and Harvey Elliot, however, are all desperate for more regular first-team football, making a move for Cantwell unlikely.
