‘Impressive’ Wolves Duo Should be Part of Arne Slot’s Liverpool Plans | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Summer Transfer Targets: Wolves Duo Impresses in Klopp’s Farewell

Last Sunday will of course be remembered for the devastating farewell of Jurgen Klopp and the football has understandably been swept under the carpet since. That game saw Klopp’s Liverpool side come out comfortable 2-0 winners over Wolves, with goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Jarell Quansah securing the three points.

However, it was two Wolves players that caught my eye despite the impressive performance by the Reds. Those two players were Gary O’Neil’s left-back, Rayan Ait-Nouri, and central midfielder, Joao Gomes. The duo have previously been linked with a move to Anfield and their solid performances on Sunday have seemingly only added further fuel to that fire.

Solving Liverpool’s Left-Back Issues

One of the major issues that Arne Slot will have to solidify in his first transfer window at the club, is the left-back position. Joe Gomez has undoubtedly been Liverpool’s strongest left-back this season, despite Andy Robertson’s impressive performances since returning from injury. In contrast, Kostas Tsimikas is tipped to leave the club this summer despite only signing a new contract last year.

That’s where Rayan Ait-Nouri comes into the conversation. The Algerian full-back has been a standout performer for Wolves over numerous years now and is set to finally land a move this summer. His impressive offensive and defensive abilities were on show against Liverpool, perhaps highlighted by his silencing of Mohamed Salah.

The 22-year-old has three goals and two assists to his name for Gary O’Neil’s side this season. Looking in more detail, he ranks in the top tier for successful take-ons per 90 minutes by a defender with 2.50. Ait-Nouri also ranks highly for shot-creating actions (2.46) and tackles (2.69) per 90 minutes.

Should Kostas Tsimikas leave the club, Ait-Nouri would be an ideal option at left-back for Liverpool as someone who could cover and pretty quickly replace even Andy Robertson in the starting lineup.

Liverpool’s Midfield Rebuild

Another priority for Arne Slot is suspected to be carrying on Liverpool’s midfield rebuild that started under Jurgen Klopp last summer. That’s where Wolves’ Joao Gomes could make an interesting candidate. The 23-year-old Brazilian has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United over recent months, but could Liverpool make a late push for the midfielder?

Photo: IMAGO

Gomes has been an ever-present in Gary O’Neil’s side this season, making 34 Premier League appearances. In terms of defensive work from a midfielder, there’s very few midfielders that ranks higher statistically in the Premier League. Gomes averages a massive 4.31 tackles and 1.68 blocks per 90 minutes. However, the statistics behind Gomes’ performances suggest that he may not have the ability on the ball to be part of Arne Slot’s style of play but I must say that he has looked quite tidy on the ball every time I’ve watched him.

Liverpool were previously linked with Gomes during his time at Flamengo, but Wolves managed to act quickly to sign the midfielder for just £15million. Consequently, a potential move for Gomes would likely cost Liverpool £30-40million, which then brings up the conversation that there could be stronger alternatives out there in the similar price range.

Looking Ahead

As Arne Slot’s arrival is imminent, there will only be further speculation surrounding the transfer business of Liverpool in the upcoming transfer window. Whether Ait-Nouri or Gomes will be on the Reds’ radar is yet to be seen, but either way the profile of these players are certainly a baseline for what Liverpool should be looking for.

A defensive midfielder to partner Alexis Mac Allister in the midfield pivot and a left-back to strengthen the depth in that area must be Liverpool’s priority. Throw in another forward as a long-term Mohamed Salah replacement and a central defender and I think Liverpool will be in a strong position by the start of the Premier League season.