A number of unforeseen circumstances this season have generated a lot of speculation that will use the January transfer window to sufficiently strengthen Liverpool for 2021.
As a consequence, Jurgen Klopp’s side have been linked with a number of viable targets in the New Year in a variety of positions.
Here is a look at our top picks for three players Liverpool should target in 2021.
Dayot Upamecano
According to The Athletic, RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano represents Liverpool’s top defensive target.
The 22-year-old Frenchman has a contract in Germany he signed earlier this year which contains a £40 million release clause that will become active during the summer window.
Despite the reports, as things stand, Klopp and Liverpool aren’t planning to bring anyone to Anfield for now with all recruitment work taking place at present focused on next summer.
However, these situations can still change and Liverpool have shown flexibility in the past, they are not prone to knee-jerk reactions meaning if a target is brought in, it will have been an addition that has been a long time in the making.
With that said, it is not impossible that a summer scenario is brought forward to January if the need and availability match-up, which given Liverpool’s sustained transfer model, makes a strong case for Upamecano as a viable long-term option for Klopp.
At just 22, Upamecano is already regarded as one of the top centre-backs in European football and he has the statistics to prove it.
Having clocked up 703 minutes of Bundesliga action so far this season, as per WhoScored, Upamecano has the numbers to vindicate himself as one of the best in the business.
In nine league appearances this term, he has averaged 1.1 tackles per game (PG), 0.7 interceptions, 0.7 blocks and 2.2 clearences.
On the ball he is just as impressive, his pass succession rate is a respectable 73.3 per cent PG. Upamecano also averages 0.4 chances created PG as well as 5.9 long balls.
Even when thrown against the best in the form of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, Upamecano refused to hide away from such an occasion.
During the 2-1 victory against PSG, the Frenchman was utterly imperious to help get the upper hand against the Champions League finalists.
He was particularly impressive, making four tackles, two interceptions and four clearances for his team, as per WhoScored.
Upamecano is still young and is only going to get better. We won’t be surprised if Liverpool were to pursue a move although it remains to be seen if club’s transfer plan is to be brought forward to January or whether the Reds wait until the summer to make a move.
Erling Haaland
Liverpool insiders have revealed that Jurgen Klopp’s next major signing could be Borussia Dortmund sensation Erling Haaland, EuroSport reports.
Haaland, 20, is widely regarded as one of the most exciting talents of his generation, and is a player Klopp admires greatly as speculation surrounding a potential Liverpool transfer continues to intensify.
In some ways, this transfer makes a lot of sense for both Haaland and Liverpool. The Reds have a great relationship with his former club, RB Salzburg, as well as his current employer Borussia Dortmund, whom of course, Klopp used to manage.
The Dortmund striker already has an eye-watering 16 goals in 12 Bundesliga and Champions League matches this season, which has made him one of the deadliest attackers currently on the planet.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano claims that Haaland has a release clause with Dortmund of £67 million, which, when considering Liverpool’s sustained transfer model, is certainly a player worth breaking the bank for.
In the cases of Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker, Liverpool have proven they are willing to spend big when the need and availability match-up, which could be a possibility if Salah or any of the front three were to leave at the end of the season.
With the likes of Mane, Jota, Thiago and Haaland potentially all operating in the same team next season, it almost makes for an unbeatable Liverpool line-up in 2021/22.
Yves Bissouma
Yves Bissouma recently put in a stunning performance against the Reds to turn heads at Liverpool. Klopp is a big fan of the player, according to reports.
TalkSport claims Liverpool like the look of Bissouma. So much, in fact, that they could make a move as soon as January.
The 24-year-old is an obvious replacement for Gini Wijnaldum, who could leave for free at the end of the season. And if that is the case, Bissouma will have left Liverpool with something to think about following the 1-1 draw at the Amex last month.
Wijnaldum is a fairly unique midfielder in that he’s capable of playing completely different styles. Such a quality will not be easy to replace.
Liverpool, then, would likely want to replace him with a similar versatile, energetic midfielder. One who can provide a combative shield in front of the defence and can carry the ball forward and threaten. That’s exactly what Bissouma could bring.
Bissouma won eight tackles in the game – that wasn’t just the most but twice as many as anyone else. He did it at an 89% success rate, too, as he failed just once.
Altogether, you get a player who would clearly be of use to the English champions at Anfield. Bissouma can physically dominate a midfield but he’s also careful with the ball, making few mistakes.
That’s exactly what Liverpool will want to replace if they do part ways with Wijnaldum. A player with energy, who can sacrifice for the team and win the midfield battle with and without the ball.
Do not be surprised if such a deal begins to gather pace in 2021.
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