Liverpool’s Transfer Plans: Verdicts on Mo Salah, Darwin Nunez and More | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Transfer Plans: Attacking Reinforcements Needed

We are just days away from the summer transfer frenzy that will run alongside the forthcoming European Championships. The new and restrictive measures created by profit and sustainability, means that many clubs could be forced to sell key assets, as others wait patiently to take advantage of such opportunities. Regarding the Premier League heavyweights, Liverpool FC, a tearful departure of one manager can now be set aside as the new head coach falls into place.

There has been a complete restructuring of the football operations, which has seen multiple directors brought in to work under the Chief Executive Officer of Football, Michael Edwards. This return to the previous Sporting Director will inevitably see a more measured approach to transfers undertaken, as analytical decisions will take the place of the controversial eye test of the last couple of years.

I have recently addressed the goalkeepers, defensive group, as well as the midfield area of the current squad. Now comes the forward line and those that will survive the summer and those that may just melt away. This crop of players will entail the line of three behind the striker, in addition to those that can play as the centre forward. With a 4-2-3-1 formation likely to be the system incorporated under the stewardship of Arne Slot, I have allotted the assets according to where I believe they will operate from now.

Mohamed Salah

Age – 31

Height – 5ft 9inch

Contract Expiry – 30th June 2025

Transfermarkt Value – €65m

Despite remaining one of the world’s best attackers, the question remains as to how to proceed with the wide forward as the final year of his contract looms. I can absolutely see a scenario where he works in behind a central striker, with an ability to switch in and out with a new and exciting right winger. The best days of an explosive goal scorer may have departed, though the creation of something new and equally valuable could be engineered under new leadership.

Photo: IMAGO

Verdict – If the record-breaking Egyptian star is willing to sign a new deal, then there is no question of his importance and continuing tenure. If, however, the former Basel man is set on leaving, then as much money should be extracted from a summer sale, so that a new look attack can be devised.

Diogo Jota

Age – 27

Height – 5ft 10inch

Contract Expiry – 30th June 2027

Transfermarkt Value – €50m

The attacking group needs this most lethal of goal scorers, one who should be used to lessen the load on a sometimes-fragile body. There has been no word of a departure, therefore, the former Wolves man will almost certainly be part of the continuing regeneration.

Photo: IMAGO

Verdict – The former Wolves forward end up as the starting striker and most consistent source of goals in this newly developed system.

Cody Gakpo

Age – 25

Height – 6ft 4inch

Contract Expiry – 30th June 2028

Transfermarkt Value – €50m

The often underwhelming forward ended the season in good form, though his overall contribution was questionable, due in large part to his constant positional alterations. Under new guidance from a fellow Dutchman, I can see the former PSV man becoming a solid rotation piece and start to build into a more refined asset.

Photo: IMAGO

Verdict – A good squad player that will be adaptable in the slighter altered shape, one that can emerge as a starting contender.

Luis Díaz

Age – 27

Height – 5ft 11inch

Contract Expiry – 30th June 2027

Transfermarkt Value – €75m

The man who apparently is looking at a summer move, with Barcelona stated as his preferred destination. Though the Catalans may not be able to afford the fee, PSG and various clubs from the Saudi Pro League could offer beyond his current market value.

Photo: IMAGO

Verdict – A player that almost certainly wants out, therefore, if a fee beyond €75m can be attained, it would be a smart move for all parties. Player trading could be an option, given the financial limitations of Barca.

Harvey Elliott

Age – 21

Height – 5ft 7inch

Contract Expiry – 30th June 2027

Transfermarkt Value – €35m

Without doubt the most important attacking player in the final batch of games this season. As a right winger he can mould perfectly into what is needed, which can see him finally elevate from super sub to super starter.

Photo: IMAGO

Verdict – A player that the new head coach will love and built into a solid rotation piece within the first fifteen or so starters.

Darwin Núñez

Age – 24

Height – 6ft 2inch

Contract Expiry – 30th June 2028

Transfermarkt Value – €70m

A man that was very good and explosive in the first half of the season, struggled for form at the back end. Ultimately, a more coordinated approach and work on his technique in front of goal can see the former a Benfica man become what we hoped he could be, which is one of the Premier League’s most feared marksmen.

Photo: IMAGO

Verdict – If Michael Edwards can attain a high fee, then I believe a sale is possible. My sense is that a year under new leadership and in a constant central position can see a significant increase in performance, in the circumstances that see him remain.

Dominik Szoboszlai

Age – 23

Height – 6ft 1inch

Contract Expiry – 30th June 2028

Transfermarkt Value – €75m

An attacking midfielder that was pushed into a role undertaken by Jordan Henderson in his pomp, which does not suit the attacking potential of the former RB Leipzig man. On the left wing in a 4-2-3-1, the explosive Hungarian skipper can bring more venom and decisive action from that flank, in a system and position more suited to his elite level abilities.

Photo: IMAGO

Verdict – A star in the making, one that could offer the left-hand side what has been missing since the departure of the legendary Sadio Mané.

In closing, my desire is to see Mohamed Salah extend his deal and stay, Luis Díaz sold on, with Michael Olise brought in as the squad replacement. Dominik Szoboszlai would replace the departing Colombian on the left, whereas the Crystal Palace attacking midfielder could operate in a switching role from inside to out with the Egyptian King. The main area of need is the defensive group and especially at holding midfield, which means a one in one out scenario is all that will be needed to cater for the attacking stable.