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| Photo credit: koptalk.com |
It's about as certain as a Merseyside shower:
Klopp (and FSG) are looking to spend big this summer. What remains to be seen is how they will go about this vital restructure. Fan favorite theories focus on getting rid of some of our, ahem, less than stellar performers (read:
Mignolet,
Moreno,
Benteke), but I'm not entirely convinced that a knee-jerk detox is the clearest path to silverware. As the Moreno link explains, Mr. Alberto is an incredibly promising talent, and while his performances on the left-side have often left much to be desired, when he is in form, the Spaniard exhibits pace, attacking ability, and a Milner-esque hustle. Mignolet, in my opinion, at least ought be kept on as a solid contingency plan. I do concede, however, that no amount of formal politicking can account for Benteke (or at least his
£32.5 million price tag). I won't pretend to have a solid answer as to who Jürgy should target; my laundry list is rather short, and can be summed up as such:
- Purchase players who will help us win games.
- In case of doubt, refer to #1.
I understand this is invariably problematic, but I haven't spent 15 years as a professional manager. I trust Klopp to see us through the storm. Admittedly, it strikes me that the addition of several proven names would help reestablish our European ethos, and perhaps stop us from tumbling around in the mid-table maelstrom that we have been so keen on as of late. So let's cut the banter and take a look at some of der Jürgen's most exciting summer prospects.
Gabriel "Gabigol" Barbosa
The 19 year old wunderkind's venomous outside play has been compared to that of his compatriot Neymar. The parallel is easily drawn. Barbosa, too, plays for Santos, touting 21 goals in 56 appearances across all competitions last season, including this gem:
Though a formal link to the Reds has yet to be established, there's been some discussion as to whether or not his aggressively quick style would find a nice home in Klopp's tactical outfit. Of considerable note is the same question pundits asked of Neymar: can he still deliver when not playing against the fragile, decayed defenses of Brazil's top flight? He's expected to feature heavily for Canarinho in the host's Olympic campaign, so let's hope Jürgen has a decent cable package.
Mario Götze
A tantalizing prospect, this, eh? Götze's Bayern woes are becoming increasingly apparent; even Thomas Müller has
commented. Injuries and stark competition have hindered Mario's development in Munich, and it's purported that he is keen to reunite with Klopp. Dortmund have also thrown their hat
into the ring, and the Mirror has speculated on possible links to Arsenal. Still, it seems likely, given his relationship with Jürgen back in his days at Signal Iduna Park, that Super Mario Götze would prefer a move Kopside come this summer. It seems that everyday
a new article assures that we are inching ever closer to the signing, but fingers crossed. Just how he would fit into the squad has been the crux of the debate. I'm of the persuasion that he'd replace Milner in a
right attacking mid role, but something stranger yet might be in the works. Götze has technique to boot, is a clinical passer, and moves intelligently. Take a look at this:
Let us hope and pray.
Lucas Alario
The latest rumor out of the ever churning mill has connected Liverpool with Alario, an Argentine forward who currently features for River Plate. He is noted for his dexterity in tight spaces, and perhaps more mysteriously, an ability to always be on the end of a cross. Case in point:
The speculation seems to be fairly concrete, though reports are slightly inconclusive. Some sources are suggesting the Reds have already made a £5.6 million bid, while others yet believe it will take something along the order of £9.5 million to secure his services; either way, the interest is there. Benteke is likely on the out, and it appears that Klopp is looking to keep a fourth striker in the rotation. (In my opinion, three is already a glut.) Could the Argentine prove a positional threat to the likes of Sturridge, Origi, or the oft forgotten Ings?
Mats Hummels
The only pro whose name is simultaneously a double possessive, double plural, and many combinations thereof (i.e. "The hummels belonging to Mat."; "Those are Mat's, Hummel's, and mine."; "Every time I go there, I order mats, hummels, and fries."). Rightly touted as a ball-playing center half, Hummels' speed and set piece prowess have proved enticing to many a manager: LVG in 2014, and now Hiddink, Klopp, Pep, and LVG again (though at this point, any transfers for the Dutchman are little more than a farewell crescendo). Yesterday, he snubbed the Blues, asserting that he did not fancy a move to a team devoid of Champions League football. Yes, it's likely that neither will Liverpool find themselves in Europe's top flight, but to write off a transfer is to ignore Hummels' relationship with Klopp. Not only did Jürgen oversee his development at Dortmund, but as a player, Klopp was trained by Hummels' father. Never underestimate "eine besondere Beziehung." As a parting gift, here's his goal against France:
Marc-Andre ter Stegen
Ter Stegen's Catalan stagnation is not entirely surprising. He's 23 for Christ's sake, remarkably young for a keeper, and in order to win the starting position would have to completely usurp Claudio Bravo. At the time of writing, supposed bids from both City and Liverpool have been directed to Barcelona, who remain insistent the German is not for sale. Ter Stegen has made clear, though, his desire for an exit in the event that he remains second in the pecking order. City could probably pay him a bit more, but we would offer direct ascendancy. I don't see Mignolet contesting this battle much.
Rounding out the list is the man from 1. FC Köln, who spent 90 minutes on the pitch as the German's fell to England. In spite of getting caught out once or twice, and arguably failing to clear the cross that led to
, overall he looked strong. Certainly with time to mature, Hector seems to have a knack for getting forward and taking on his counterparts, as evidenced here:
