The idea of missing out on Champions League football next season is becoming more realistic with each point Liverpool drop.
After another stumble in the Premier League against Wolves, more and more fans are talking about the risk of finishing outside of the top five.
Virgil van Dijk was asked about that very prospect in the aftermath, and he acknowledged the financial reality that could unfold.
He told the media: “One hundred per cent [it will have an impact]. The stakes are very high. Listen, if you play for Liverpool, it’s always been like that. It’s down to us, together with our fans, to get the results we need to get into the Champions League.”
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Indeed the prize money hit could be detrimental to Liverpool’s transfer plans. We’re putting a contingency in place.
Liverpool might need to look to Alessandro Bastoni’s teammate
Alessandro Bastoni is admired by Liverpool, and remains a dream target to come to Anfield. That would require a Van Dijk-level fee, and that may not be attainable if they are in the Europa League.
In that scenario, there’s quite an easy change in approach.
Liverpool can target his Inter teammate, Yann Aurel Bisseck. At 25, the German has reached his physical peak and shows many of the qualities you need in a modern centre-back — comfortable in possession, fast and tactically intelligent.
You would be looking at about half the cost, but it would be a solid addition. Especially if Ibrahima Konate’s Liverpool contract situation isn’t resolved.
A cheaper Yan Diomande who knows the Premier League
This isn’t the first time, nor will it be the last, where I put Moussa Diaby forward for a return to England.
The Al-Ittihad star has his eyes on a move to Europe, and was close to joining Bastoni and Bisseck at Inter in January. He remained in the Saudi Pro League, but he’s one to watch for the summer.
The Frenchman has proven himself in the Premier League and was one of the most exciting wingers in the league during his stint at Aston Villa.
He’s not going to reach the world-class level Yan Diomande is on a trajectory towards, but he would be more than capable of filling the potential Salah void until Liverpool have the funds to go after one of the big prospects.
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Diomande, Doue, Williams and Barcola have been named as potential options…
Adam Wharton wouldn’t be possible, but another Prem starlet might be
Every suggestion here has been made on Rousing The Kop before, by yours truly.
Liverpool have been linked with Adam Wharton, but that would be for a fee nearing £100 million.
If a budget option is needed, Liverpool don’t have to look far. Sunderland’s Noah Sadiki will be the next to make a big move.
The 21-year-old has been immense for the Black Cats in their outstanding return to the Premier League, forming a formidable partnership with Granit Xhaka.
He’s a different profile to Wharton, one with less technical polish but far more impressive physical attributes. Liverpool have no shortage of on-ball quality, and a destroyer like Sadiki — again commanding about half the fee of his luxury alternative — could be a very smart acquisition.
Liverpool are still well in the race for the top five, and there’s plenty of football still to play. If they are to finish in a Europa League spot, though, it doesn’t mean some quality additions can’t be made in the summer.
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