Jurgen Klopp’s tenure at the helm of Liverpool has started in dream fashion. The German inflicted so much confidence in the squad that they looked a completely new team from the one that was playing under Brendan Rodgers. The most surprising element of this Liverpool resurgence has been the fact that the German has had to play with the same squad that was left over by a controversial transfer committee under the Irishman.
Though it would be too soon to talk about a title challenge, Liverpool have sure shown signs that they belong at the top of the league. But teams like Crystal Palace and more recently Newcastle United have exposed their weaknesses and the manager will have to address these issues quickly. One option would be to dig deep into the transfer market and find the right ingredients missing in this Liverpool squad.
Here are 5 players who Liverpool can realistically sign to help them turn to genuine title contenders.
1. Pierre Emerick Aubameyang (BVB Dortmund):
The Gabonese International, Aubameyang is one of the most exciting forwards in Europe at this moment. He is a power house with tremendous pace across the turf. His finishing is also impressive and has already racked up 14 goals this season for Dortmund. Jurgen Klopp and Aubameyang had a special bond and it is reported that the German is eyeing a potential transfer for the forward in January. It will be hard to snatch him in the middle of season amidst interest from top sides like PSG, Chelsea and Bayern Munchen but the Klopp effect may help the Anfield franchise to lure him to the Merseyside.
2. Mauro Icardi (Inter Milan):
Icardi has been on the Liverpool wish list for over a year now. The Inter Milan forward scored 27 goals in all competitions last season and attracted interest from many European giants last summer. He has been linked with a host of clubs like Chelsea and Real Madrid in the recent past. Roberto Mancini who finds himself at the top of the Serie A table at the moment will fight it hard to keep his prized asset at the club but playing at one of the most historic clubs in England under a charismatic manager might just be too much to turn down for the Argentine hit-man.
3. Neven Subotic (BVB Dortmund):
Neven Subotic has been one of the most consistent defenders in the past few seasons in the Bundesliga. He is strong and excellent in the air and will relish the physical battle the Premier League provides. He followed Jurgen Klopp from Mainz to Dortmund back in 2008 and has since been one of the favorite players for the manager. He will surely make the Liverpool back line stronger and it is understood that the German is also keen on the move. With his experience and ability, Subotic will not be available at the cheap price and the English franchise will have to splash it out to acquire him this January.
4. Lucas Biglia (Lazio):
A classy player in the mid-field area, Biglia has been in good form scoring thrice in eight matches for Lazio in Serie A. He is energetic mid-fielder who loves to attack but is also an excellent defender. He came close to signing for the Reds in the summer but the move fell through. But Klopp is understood to be confident of snatching the Argentine this time around as he has been on his wish list since he joined Liverpool. The 29 year old can provide the charisma that Liverpool lost along with their legend Steven Gerrard in the summer.
5. Isco (Real Madrid):
A fan favorite at the Bernabeau, Isco is a gifted play maker and has entered his third season with the Los Blancos. The Spaniard is extremely talented is not an easy player to play with. It is however hard to imagine Madrid letting a player like Isco go but in the recent past we have seen big money transfers such as Ozil, Sanchez and Pedro so a transfer is not completely off the list. Klopp and Liverpool will surely have to spend big to get their target to Anfield but with what he can give to the squad, 40 million is not a huge price.
Have your say on who Liverpool will but this January.