Liverpool look into situation Jurgen Klopp says it’s ‘really crazy’ ahead of transfer deals
Liverpool are expected to be busy in the transfer window this summer and could return to an old approach to strengthen their squad
Jurgen Klopp has no doubts about what will happen in the Premier League.
“The fight to avoid relegation is crazy,” said the Liverpool manager. “Everyone has a chance (to be safe) and that’s going to be really crazy until the very last day.”
Heading into the latter part of the season once the current international break ends, 12th-placed Crystal Palace are separated by just four points from bottom-of-the-table Bournemouth. While the battle for the title and Champions League places is likely to be exciting, it will surely be overshadowed by the battle to avoid the drop.
However, losing three teams could turn out to be a win for the others, as the top talent from those clubs that slip into the league are likely keen to stay in the top flight next season. And early in Klopp’s tenure, Liverpool proved they were adept at picking the best players from relegated clubs. Indeed, the Reds have attacked the drop zone for three consecutive summers to bolster their roster, each with a successful result.
In 2016, Gini Wijnaldum – long on Liverpool’s radar – was traded by Newcastle United for a combined fee of £25m, a sum which was more than repaid over the following five years which the Dutch international made integral part. Team that became champion of Europe, the world and England.
The following summer, the long-running left-back problem was resolved with the purchase of Andy Robertson from Hull City in a £10million transfer, arguably one of the most big deals in Liverpool history. And while Xherdan Shaqiri didn’t quite reach the heights of this duo, who joined Stoke City for £13.75m in 2018, the ‘Powercube’ nonetheless played their part in the glory days of the Reds before leaving in 2021. As Liverpool are likely to be busy in the transfer market this summer given the expected plethora of departures, they will be looking for reinforcements in every avenue. And maybe they’re going back to their old approach to relocation.
The situation is, of course, complicated by so many clubs caught up in the relegation process – another variable Liverpool need to take into account ahead of a transfer window that is likely to be much busier than usual for any side due to the hunt to the man in progress. – starting from the mid-season World Cup.
But there are potential targets beyond Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Matheus Nunes, in whom Liverpool have already shown interest.
James Ward-Prowse at Southampton could be 28, he’s an England international, he wouldn’t be highly paid and would bring ready depth to midfield with plenty of Premier League experience and set-piece expertise playing a big part. part of Liverpool’s attacking armour. Armel Bella-Kotchap, the 21-year-old Germany international centre-back, is another intriguing prospect.
West Ham United have English duo Declan Rice and Jarrod Bowen, although their price could be prohibitive. Leicester City have several players on the verge of leaving, while Leeds United midfielder Tyler Adams would have the right profile for the 24-year-old Reds.
He will be, as Klopp claims, “really crazy” at the foot of the Premier League table for the next two months. But Liverpool will wonder if their tried-and-true transfer method can finally encompass the looming madness.