Wednesday, 22 May 2019

Chukwueze in, Sturridge out? Liverpool's transfer plans this summer

Jurgen Klopp is not expected to spend big on his Reds squad this summer but there could be some significant outgoings at Anfield
How do you improve on this season, then?

Liverpool's campaign could have been perfect. They picked up 97 points in the Premier League and have reached a second successive Champions League final. The Reds will be favourites when they take on Tottenham in Madrid on June 1.

Jurgen Klopp's side will, however, carry some regrets at the fact that they finished second to a rampant Manchester City, having held a commanding lead at the top of the table as recently as January. 



The word from inside the club is that it will be a summer of evolution, not revolution, on Merseyside, with no repeat of last summer's spending spree. 

Here, Goal takes a look at Liverpool's transfer plans ahead of what looks set to be an intriguing summer at Anfield...

The best defence in the Premier League last season is unlikely to be tampered with too much, especially with Joe Gomez back available after the broken leg which cruelly halted his impressive progress during the first half of the campaign.

In his absence, Joel Matip stepped up to the plate and established himself alongside Virgil van Dijk at the heart of Klopp's side. The Cameroonian is entering the final year of his contract, but discussions will take place over an extension. 

Where that leaves Dejan Lovren remains to be seen. The Croatian was first choice in 2017-18, but was disrupted by a stomach injury suffered at the World Cup with Croatia. He turns 30 in July, and at present is third or fourth choice at best.

Lovren is likely to stay unless a sizeable offer is received, with Liverpool not, as it stands, in the market for a centre-back. Ajax's Matthijs de Ligt has been predictably linked, but will surely join Barcelona in any case.

There will be at least one new arrival defensively, though. Liverpool will part company with Alberto Moreno in the summer, leaving a vacancy as understudy to Andy Robertson at left-back. It won't be an easy position to fill - Robertson has been one of Europe's best full-backs in the last 18 months, and is a reliable, consistent performer - but the Reds are in the market for a young, pacy player to deputise for the Scotland international. If they were able to fill in across the backline, that would be a bonus.

They looked at Lloyd Kelly, who has since joined Bournemouth from Bristol City, and are long-time admirers of both Ryan Sessegnon (Fulham) and Ben Chilwell (Leicester). Neither of those two, however, would appear to fit the bill in terms of fee. Chilwell, for example, could go for upwards of £40 million.

A new backup goalkeeper may also be required. Simon Mignolet has received praise from Klopp for his attitude and professionalism as No.2 to Alisson Becker, but having made just two appearances all season, the Belgian is expected to ask to leave in the close-season. 

That provides another dilemma. Liverpool see potential in both Caoimhin Kelleher and Kamil Grabara, the latter of whom spent the second half of the campaign on loan with Danish side Aarhus, but would prefer to draft in an experienced reserve if possible. West Ham's Adrian is one name that has been mentioned at Melwood, though there has been no approach for the out-of-contract Spaniard, who is interesting Crystal Palace and Bournemouth among others. Meanwhile, former Reds 'keeper Pepe Reina would be a more emotional target.

In terms of outgoings, both Corey Whelan and Conor Masterson have been released, while Nathaniel Clyne will be allowed to leave for anything in excess of £10m. West Ham and Bournemouth lead the race there. 

Ins: A backup left-back and goalkeeper.

Outs: Alberto Moreno, Simon Mignolet, Nathaniel Clyne, Conor Masterson, Corey Whelan





GOAL

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