Liverpool players went from ecstatic to disappointed in the matter of hours with a proposed – and hugely anticipated – deal for Lyon star Nabil Fekir falling out in the eleventh hour and even after the photos of him wearing a Liverpool kit were leaked from the club shooting.
In the aftermath of the failed transfer it is being suggested that Liverpool decided to turn their heads away from Fekir due to fitness concerns. As his move dramatically collapsed on Saturday, here is a list of alternatives Liverpool should and could go for as Jurgen Klopp’s looks to add extra depth to his squad.
Xherdan Shaqiri
The first name on the list is the one most likely to join the Anfield pack this summer. Indications are Reds would go for the Stoke City star regardless of the nabil Fekir deal but with Lyon superstar definitely out of the picture, the Swiss international is now in full focus.
Dynamic winger is considered a proper bargain for £13 million Potters are likely to demand for Shaqiri following the relegation. Some fans were surprised to see the diminutive forward being linked with Liverpool but it is clear why would Jurgen Klopp be willing to add him to his squad.
Shaqiri is packing a skill set that would make him a natural fit into the Liverpool squad. Technically astute with a powerful shot and quick movement, Shaqiri could complement the high-tempo style Jurgen Klopp has implemented at Liverpool.
Mario Gotze
Jurgen Klopp was the one who made Mario Gotze a world star player back at Dortmund and it comes as a little surprise to see the German international opening the door to a possible move to Liverpool this summer.
Gotze is refusing to rule out reunion with former boss but the question remains whether Klopp would be willing to take in an out-of-form and favour star who’s endured a difficult spell in Germany over the past 12 months. Gotze is back with Dortmund following a failed Bayern Munich stint but has struggled with injuries and ended up missing out on Germany’s World Cup 2018 squad. He is now considering a move in order to get his career back on track and is looking towards Liverpool. The Reds are expected to challenge for the title next season and will be wary of signing a injury-prone player which their approach to Nabil Fekir is enough to suggest in the first place.
Julian Draxler
Liverpool wanted to sign the Germany international back in January 2017 but the player opted to go to Paris saint-Germain. Such a decision did not prove to be a smart one as Draxler struggled to break into the PSG side with Neymar and Kylian Mbappe both ahead of him in the pecking order.
The last 18 months of struggle have prompted speculation of his future and Liverpool definitely are an option to think about. The 24-year-old is now set to have crunch talks with new boss Thomas Tuchel but is likely to leave the Parc des Princes if he does not receive first team guarantees.
Julian Draxler could be a valuable addition to the Liverpool squad due to his versatility and ability to fill in a number of roles in the final third. He is capable of playing in the centre where he’d be a direct replacement for Philippe Coutinho, but he also spent much of his time in France on the left which would give Jurgen Klopp a valuable option upfront.
Christian Pulisic
Another obvious choice and another Borussia Dortmund player who is being linked with Liverpool for quite a while now. Jurgen Klopp is a keen admirer of his talents, having signed the USA international for Dortmund in February 2015 when Pulisic was only 16 years old.
Pulisic was the standout performer is a rather erratic season for Dortmund, emerging as a key figure for his side with 32 Bundesliga appearances, four goals and five assists during that time. Pulisic finished the season with the total of 51 appearances for Borussia Dortmund which was more than enough of a tally to get him in the notebooks of many a Europe’s biggest club. The American international can play on either wing but is more comfortable piercing forward through the middle in the No.10 role which is exactly what Liverpool are pursuing. Borussia Dortmund star is likely to command a hefty price tag however with £80 million being talked as a fee.
Isco
Arguably the highest rated player of all that are currently being linked with a move to Liverpool is Real Madrid’s 26-year-old playmaker Isco. Touted as Jurgen Klopp’s dream signing, the 26-year-old midfielder is being tracked by a number of high-profile clubs such as Manchester City and United.
Liverpool are currently sitting as outside favourites to land the Spanish international at 10/1 betting odds whereas the bookies are eyeing Isco as a 2/1 price in any potential move to Etihad.
Real Madrid star is coming off from a difficult season at Santiago Bernabeu. He made 21 La Liga stars for Los Blancos, scoring seven goals and assisting as many during the 2017/18 campaign. He played a big role in his team’s Champions League trophy-winning campaign, during which he notched ten appearances. Tenacious and talented, Isco is a huge technical threat in the middle of the park. Characterised by impressive ball control and passing ability, Isco is very good at dribbling his way through the opposition lines.
The Spaniard would not come cheap for Liverpool but would nevertheless be a smart investment knowing he would elevate the Liverpool play to a whole new level.
Notable mentions: Ousmane Dembele, Leon Bailey, Thiago, Gareth Bale – all being linked with Liverpool across European media outlets.
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