The Reds have already added three new acquisitions
ahead of Jurgen Klopp’s first full campaign in charge, but there’s still
more work to be done before the window closes
Liverpool ended 2015-16 as the Premier League’s eighth-best team; their lowest ever finish since 2012. That was compounded by disappointment in two finals, and as Jurgen Klopp gears up for his first full season in English football, he has vowed to shake up the squad.
The German wants a mix of industry and inspiration as well as players who are able to operate in multiple systems. His key task will be to strengthen Liverpool's rearguard, and Klopp will also look to inject more pace and quality into the side.
Fenway Sports Group are prepared to back the 48-year-old in the market, but the manager prefers to unlock potential rather than purchase superstars. The Reds are unlikely to recruit a new record transfer in this window but it promises to be an exciting summer for supporters nonetheless.
Joel Matip will bolster the backline in 2016-17, having agreed to join the club on a pre-contract in January. The Cameroon international signed from Schalke as a free agent on a five-year deal. Serbian starlet Marko Grujic was acquired in the winter window for £5.1 million, but remained at Red Star Belgrade on loan until the end of the season, and is also on the same length of contract.
Liverpool have recruited one of Germany's brightest talents in goalkeeper Loris Karius, the 22-year-old making the switch from Klopp's former club Mainz.
He was a steal with a release clause of just £4.7m, and his deal will take him to 2021.
Kolo Toure and Joao Teixeira's contracts are up in the summer and the Ivorian could be kept on, possibly in a non-playing capacity, while the 23-year-old is expected to exit with Fiorentina registering their interest. Jose Enrique has already been let go, while loanee Steven Caulker returns to QPR.
Martin Skrtel's standing at Anfield has diminished, and he will not
be a starting centre-back under Klopp next season. The 31-year-old is
already assessing options away from the club.Lucas, too, who has been used as a makeshift option at the heart of the defence, is likely to be considering playing elsewhere. The Brazilian's game time will be hugely limited next season given the new recruits in the backline and in midfield.
Joe Allen, who is determined to start matches in 2016-17, is out of contract next summer and there have been no talks over a new deal. Given Liverpool's purchase of Grujic and their interest in Mahmoud Dahoud and Piotr Zielinski, as well as the club's reduced fixture list next season, the 26-year-old is likely to leave.
Another in danger of getting minimal first-team minutes is Jordon Ibe, and a loan move could be beneficial for both parties.
If Liverpool receive a concrete offer for Christian Benteke, the club's second-most expensive buy will depart given he would be behind Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi, Roberto Firmino and Danny Ings as an option to lead the line.
Leicester’s Ben Chilwell,
also tracked by Arsenal, has opted for Anfield as his destination of
choice. Liverpool are in negotiations with the Premier League champions
over a fee for the promising left-back, and expect to pay in the region
of £8m including add-ons.Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Dahoud is a priority target, but both Borussia Dortmund and Tottenham are also courting the talented Germany Under-21 international, who would cost around £25m.
Zielinski remains on the radar, but given the club have no European commitments next season, the possibility of only going for one midfielder - despite both have differing styles - is strong.
With Mario Gotze unlikely to end up at Liverpool unless there is a massive shift in his current stance, the Reds have turned their focus to Sadio Mane.
The Southampton attacker has the speed, work ethic and the enthusiasm to get the goals Klopp is after. It is expected to take upwards of £25m to snag the Senegal international, who is also of interest to Manchester United and Spurs.
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