While Liverpool clearly have to get a post-Mohamed Salah plan together in the transfer market this summer, they must not neglect their other needs.
It is certainly exciting to ponder the attacking additions that could await the Reds as they look to move on from their highest scorer of the 21st century, but the truth is that Salah may have already been replaced.
Reports claim that Liverpool will look to play a 4-2-2-2 next season, leaning on Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz and Dominik Szoboszlai as an attacking diamond. If that really is the case, then Richard Hughes must make a defensive midfielder, not a winger, his number one priority.
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Anthony Gordon or Morgan Rogers…
Liverpool must sign a new defensive midfielder
Everyone likes to see attacking arrivals in the transfer market, and having been told that Liverpool could even sign two wingers this summer, Reds’ fans are going into overdrive as they put together their new dream XIs.
However, if Liverpool see Isak, Ekitike, Wirtz and Szoboszlai as their new attacking base, then there is no need at all for them to go big on another star name out wide.
They may want to improve upon Cody Gakpo as an option to change things up, but they should not unbalance their plan by adding someone who may not fit into it.
Instead, with such attacking riches, Liverpool have to make sure that the door remains closed at the other end of the pitch. This means signing a proper defensive midfielder who can shield the back four alongside Ryan Gravenberch.
READ MORE: How Morgan Rogers could fit into Liverpool’s summer search for new wingers
Steven Gerrard thinks Gravenberch is a No. 8, and supporters have seen this season that continually playing him in a deeper role can ultimately have a negative effect on the team.
That being said, the Dutchman is still a big part of Slot’s plans having recently signed a six-year contract extension, meaning the new player is likely to replace Alexis Mac Allister instead.
Mac Allister has had a desperately poor season, and currently looks like the easiest – and most impactful – player to upgrade upon this summer. Whether they do this or not could be the difference between Liverpool challenging again or slumping to another dismal campaign.
Sandro Tonali could be the man for Liverpool
Liverpool have not had an out-and-out defensive midfielder since Fabinho, but with the new system allowing for two players to sit more or less side by side, the profile will likely be different for the Brazilian’s successor.
Players such as Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson have been linked, but neither would feel to have the necessary physicality or defensive protection Liverpool badly need.
They could go for a more typical destroyer in Carlos Baleba, but, here at Rousing The Kop, we think Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali could be a perfect option.
Which players should Liverpool target to replace Mohamed Salah this summer? 🤔
A seven-man shortlist has already been reported:
- Desire Doue
- Bradley Barcola
- Nico Williams
- Yan Diomande
- Anthony Gordon
- Jarrod Bowen
- Michael Olise
More forward-thinking than someone like Fabinho, Tonali is nevertheless an all-action, robust player who you could see anchoring the Liverpool midfield.
A proven Premier League performer who could still get even better, Tonali is seemingly open to leaving Newcastle this summer and could be available for the right price. He may be one to watch.
Kees Smit is another to watch this summer
A player like Tonali would add plenty to Liverpool this summer and would immediately improve their starting XI.
However, there are not a great number of players out there who could do the same overnight, meaning the Reds may look to make a signing for the future instead.
In that regard, AZ Alkmaar youngster Kees Smit could be of interest. The Dutchman will likely leave the Eredivisie club and has the potential to be one of the best midfielders in the world.
We would prefer to see Liverpool go for a proven player who could make their starting XI even better, but in Smit they could sign someone who could have even greater potential.
Whatever Liverpool decide, they simply cannot go through a third summer without making a midfield signing. All eyes are on the attack, but this is where the Reds’ transfer window will be won or lost.
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