Liverpool’s transfer stance remains almost identical to last season with the club expected to look at squad options internally rather than flex their muscles in the upcoming summer transfer window.
However, the Reds have proven in recent years that if there is value to be had in a potential target then the club will look to exploit it.
FSG and Liverpool were able to successfully sanction shrewd deals for the likes of Andy Robertson, Xherdan Shaqiri, Georginio Wijnaldum and Takumi Minamino which suggests that if a deal makes sense on a financial level then the club can still inclined to strike a move.
Liverpool could use their Premier League and Champions League earnings to their advantage by looking for hidden gems at a sensible price. To validate this point, here is a look at three double signing combinations for the club to consider for the same outlay.
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 22: Nathan Ake congratulates team-mate David Brooks of Bournemouth after scoring a goal to make it 1-0 during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Brighton & Hove Albion at Vitality Stadium on December 22, 2018 in Bournemouth, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
Nathan Ake and David Brooks
Ake played two games for Bournemouth at left-back this season (per Whoscored). That ability should certainly alert Liverpool, who are reportedly looking for a left-back.
Bournemouth, who did hold a £40m asking price for the player, will likely drop their demands after their confirmed relegation.
Also, at just 25, the Netherland’s international has showcased he is still maturing and could be developed into one of the continent’s most versatile defensive assets.
He would provide much-needed competition at the back following the loss of Dejan Lovren while Liverpool could also look to tempt Eddie Howe into sanctioning a double deal that could include David Brooks.
The Wales international’s statistics throughout the 2018/19 season saw Brooks boast seven goals as well as five assists and were fundamental to the youngster’s nomination for the PFA Young Player of the Year award.
He has proven in the past he could be worth taking a punt on.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JULY 26: Ben Godfrey of Norwich City during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Norwich City at Etihad Stadium on July 26, 2020 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
Ben Godfrey and Emiliano Buendia
A double Norwich combination would certainly strengthen Liverpool in both defence and attack.
Godfrey has proven himself and able and assured centre-back and at 22, with the right coaching and defensive partner, could take his development to the next level.
Also, he could be a long-term option to potentially partner Joe Gomez once Virgil van Dijk’s decides to pass on the mantle.
With 30 PL appearances under his belt this season, his durability has been hugely impressive and would certainly provide adequate cover for Liverpool who are in need of a shape up with Klopp currently boasting just three senior central defensive options.
Buendia, 23, provided 2.3 key passes per game this past season and was impressive in both fixtures against the Reds and the Argentine could represent a cheaper and more viable option than Bayern Munich’s Thiago – who has persistently been linked with an Anfield move.
WATFORD, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 29: Ismaila Sarr of Watford celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Abdoulaye Doucoure during the Premier League match between Watford FC and Liverpool FC at Vicarage Road on February 29, 2020 in Watford, United Kingdom. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Ismaila Sarr and Abdoulaye Doucoure
Ismaila Sarr gave the perfect audition to showcase his glistening credentials during Watford’s 3-0 victory over Liverpool back in February.
The Senegalese ace scored two goals and registered an assist as the Hornets put Liverpool to the sword in what was Klopp’s first league defeat in 13 months.
He has the pace to burn and terrorise full-backs and could be moulded in a similar fashion to that of Sarr’s international compatriot Sadio Mane.
Sarr recently named Liverpool’s and fellow countryman as his footballing idol so the idea of two international teammates thriving off each other next season could be an exciting prospect.
“Sadio Mané is not only a Senegal teammate of mine but he is my inspiration and my idol,” he told Watford’s official website.
“I watch lots of videos of him to see how he does things like accelerating and dribbling, and for me he is the best player in the world. For sure, the best African player in Europe.
“When I first came to Watford he sent me some messages welcoming me to the Premier League and any piece of advice he gives me I listen to carefully. He has won the Champions League and I’m so pleased he will soon be winning the Premier League because he deserves this.”
Another option if Liverpool want a versatile midfielder capable of everything, then Abdoulaye Doucoure could be the man.
The Frenchman has been one of Watford’s standard-bearers for three seasons now and at 27, is very capable of playing a useful role for Liverpool.
He scored four goals and provided two assists this past campaign, and needs a move to give his career a boost.
Doucoure has all the qualities Klopp looks for in a midfielder and it’s a transfer strategy they have followed before when signing Shaqiri (Stoke), Robertson (Hull) and Wijnaldum (Newcastle) following relegation.
As a back-up, Doucoure can be a solid option for the Premier League champions, as he is able to play both an attacking role deputising for Naby Keita or Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, or as a defensive midfielder filling in for Fabinho or Jordan Henderson.
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