Jurgen Klopp could strengthen his ranks at Liverpool this summer by signing a clutch of free agents, including Juventus leader Paulo Dybala, with the German’s transfer budget in doubt.
The Reds have enjoyed significant success so far this season as the Merseyside outfit push to win the quadruple. But Klopp will be well-aware of the need to improve the options that are available, having seen a number of stars struggle to make notable contributions this term.
However, Fenway Sports Group are unlikely to sanction a summer of lavish spending so that he can strengthen those available. The Liverpool Echo reported earlier in May that Liverpool splashing upwards of £50m on one target is highly improbable, especially for a midfielder.
FSG believe Klopp already boasts a well-rounded group that provides enough depth in their engine room. Yet the Liverpool boss is interested in signing a new midfielder, so some of the free agents set to hit the open market from June 30 could fall on the German’s shopping list.
Liverpool could sign versatile depth in summer free agent Boubacar Kamara
Boubacar Kamara would provide Klopp with versatile depth if Liverpool were to sign the soon-to-be free agent once he leaves Marseille. The 22-year-old has been with Les Phoceens since the age of six, but is now set to forge a new path away from the Stade Velodrome this year.
His track heading to Anfield can provide Klopp with an option at home in a holding midfield role or in central defence. From an early age, Kamara has flourished in winning the ball back and in his work rate. Naturally, then, he has many suitors ahead of the next transfer market.
Reports by Goal in March claimed Tottenham Hotspur had joined the race for Kamara’s free transfer. Manchester United and Bayern Munich were also monitoring developments, while the Northern Echo cited Newcastle United as a landing spot and the Daily Mail now add Aston Villa.
Steven Gerrard’s side have approached Kamara’s representatives to discuss a move to Villa Park this month. Gerrard and his staff even watched the former U21 international in person last month as they strive to secure his services soon with Atletico Madrid also interested.
Paulo Dybala is Jurgen Klopp’s top choice to replace Roberto Firmino at Anfield
Liverpool may need to act fast to sew up signing Dybala ahead of the Argentine ace leaving Juventus for free. That’s because Gazzetta dello Sport note he has chosen to join Inter Milan and the Nerazzurri have chosen him to strengthen their San Siro strike force this summer.
Dybala is likely to pen a €6m-a-year (£99k-a/w) contract before bonuses at the Serie A side, following negotiations between Inter Milan and the playmaker’s agent at the end of April.
But as Inter Milan are yet to finalise their deal, the Reds can still swoop for Klopp’s target. TuttoMercatoWEB reported in February that the Liverpool boss wants to sign Dybala in a free transfer as the Juventus vice-captain is his first-choice to replace Roberto Firmino.
The Reds could move on from Firmino, with his future uncertain entering the last year of the Brazilian’s contract. Dybala can now arrive at Anfield come his Juventus exit, despite the 28-year-old boasting 15 goals and six assists in 37 games this term and Roberto Carlos’ backing.
“Paulo Dybala is world-class,” Brazil icon Carlos told DAZN, via quotes by Football Italia, this April. “The top teams should bet on him, but you don’t know what goes on in these people’s heads. Dybala is a great striker. As they say in Portugal, the door is always open for him.”
Liverpool could sign Fabinho backup in summer free agent Florian Grillitsch
Liverpool could show their might in the transfer market by signing Florian Grillitsch against a high level of Premier League interest in the soon-to-be free agent. The 26-year-old is set to leave TSG Hoffenheim in the summer after spending five years with the Bundesliga outfit.
Reports by the Daily Mail claim Leeds United have entered the race for the 33-cap Austria international’s services. His contract situation has also put Arsenal, Everton and West Ham United on high alert, while Newcastle explored a move for the anchor this January.
Leeds and Arsenal have informed Grillitsch’s agent of their interest, with the Whites viewing him as Kalvin Phillips’ potential replacement. The Elland Road hierarchy note how the 6 ft 1 operator plays in a similar style to their England international during his defensive duties.
Klopp could appreciate having Grillitsch’s defensive abilities at Liverpool by signing the free agent this summer. The Hoffenheim star can provide the German superior cover for Fabinho than the options currently available for next season at Anfield in protecting the backline.
Dan-Axel Zagadou can revive stuttering Borussia Dortmund career at Anfield
Dan-Axel Zagadou is set to leave Borussia Dortmund this year in need of a fresh start after a few tough seasons at the Westfalenstadion. The French centre-half moved to Germany from Paris Saint-Germain in 2017. But he has not managed to prove himself as the regular starter.
Injuries have also restricted the 22-year-old’s availability at the Bundesliga outfit, who called off talks over new terms in April. Sport1 noted Sebastian Kehl – set to become their sporting director – decided against presenting Zagadou with a new deal after analysing their squad.
Liverpool could now sign Zagadou as a free agent and offer the defender his fresh chance at Anfield. Learning from Virgil van Dijk could help to see the former U21 international find the form he initially showed with Borussia Dortmund, where they still hold him in high regard.
Liverpool could get one over Tottenham by signing free agent Sam Johnstone
Klopp could get one over Antonio Conte and Tottenham by asking Liverpool to sign soon-to-be free agent Sam Johnstone once he leaves West Brom. The goalkeeper features on Spurs’ shopping list for summer swoops, and the north Londoners are considered the favourites.
That’s according to the Mirror, who report Tottenham want Johnstone with Hugo Lloris set to turn 36 in December. Manchester United had also shown interest in the England stopper, but the Red Devils have cooled their pursuit with David de Gea and Dean Henderson there.
Johnstone would arrive in the capital as Lloris’ understudy if Tottenham sign the 29-year-old this summer. But Klopp could request Liverpool sign the free agent, thus allowing Caoimhin Kelleher to leave Anfield on loan for regular first-team minutes and still have depth in goal.
Kelleher has shown he has great potential in his fleeting appearances for the Reds so far in his career. But the 23-year-old Republic of Ireland international does not feature regularly enough to benefit his development, given Alisson Becker’s guaranteed presence when fit.