The summer transfer window is open and the big moneyed clubs are ready to spend to put together a squad capable of winning trophies.
And that is the aim at Anfield where Jurgen Klopp is plotting how he can wrestle the Premier League title back from Manchester City, who have already made the first move and a huge one at that, bringing in Erling Braut Haaland to lead the Sky Blues’ attack.
The pre-season Premier League 2022 betting odds will back the Sky Blues again, and Klopp needs to put together a group of players which is better than the current collection in Liverpool, to challenge Pep Guardiola.
That might well sound ridiculous when you look at the riches already at the Merseyside club, but let’s take a look at where the Reds can strengthen and what they are doing about it.
Attack: Nunez can plug the gap
Here at SBOTOP we recently talked about an interest from Manchester United in Benfica Striker Darwin Nunez but reports have emerged today that Liverpool are willing to shell out up to 100m Euros for the 22 year old striker. He’s one of Europe’s most in-form goal scorers, bagging 34 in 41 games last season, and could be the natural replacement for Sadio Mane who looks like he’s on his way, most probably to FC Bayern once the situation regarding Robert Lewandowski has been resolved.
Klopp has known about the Mane situation for some time and there was also a concern that top scorer Mo Salah might be tempted to look for a new challenge, with just one year left on his contract. Divock Origi has already decided to go, but with Diogo Jota staking a big claim on a front three place, if Salah stays then one big signing will be the target.
If this Nunez deal comes off it will be the biggest Premier League 2022 news this month, especially if Klopp can talk Salah into signing an extended contract.
Midfield: Gavi could be one for the future
The Reds are looking forward with their moves in the market for a midfield player, and they may have two incomings pretty soon, with Fulham creative midfielder Fabio Carvalho already on his way. The 19 year old will join the club on 1st July for a fee of £5m and he may be joined by one of the most promising youngsters in world football.
According to reports in the Spanish football press, Liverpool are keen to bring Barcelona wonder-kid Gavi to Anfield. Mersey rival Everton have been tracking the Blaugrana’s 17 year old star but they will be thrown out of the race if their illustrious neighbours make a move.
The word in Spain is that Liverpool are ready to meet the youngster’s 50m Euros release clause and Gavi’s representatives are apparently looking for a better deal than the 2m Euros a year that the Catalans have offered. Liverpool will pay significantly more than that figure.
Gavi’s stock is quickly on the rise. He has already made nine international appearances for Spain and last week he became the youngest player ever to score for La Roja in a 2-2 Nations League draw away to Czech Republic.
Defence: Good to go again
With a world class goalkeeper in Alisson and the outstanding back four of Andrew Robertson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil Van Dijk and Ibrahim Konate, Liverpool had the tightest defence in the 2021/22 Premier League campaign, tied with Manchester City on 26 goals conceded. And with Joel Matip and Joe Gomez able to slot in at centre back and right back, and the ever versatile James Milner also primed to cover the wing-backs there is good cover.
As a wing back pairing Robertson and Alexander-Arnold are the most prolific in terms of assists in the league, while Van Dijk is thought by many, particularly on Merseyside, to be the best centre back in Europe. And the emergence of Konate was a real bonus after the Reds suffered injuries in the early part of the campaign.
Signed for £36m from Red Bull Leipzig, the 23 year old struck up a good relationship with Van Dijk. Konate has been compared with the Dutch master for his pace, strength and positional sense, and to have two such athletes at he heart of his defence must be a great comfort to Klopp.
The Liverpool boss may be tempted to add another young star to his defensive unit if he is to take the advice from his midfield star Naby Keita. The Guinea captain said his country’s 19 year old centre back, Saidou Sow, currently at St Etienne, had Salah in his pocket in a recent clash with Egypt, and he has suggested Klopp takes a closer look. According to French newspaper L’Equipe, the Reds have shown an interest in Sow so that’s a story to keep an eye on. But he too would be a player for the future and Id say the current back five are ready to go again.
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