Liverpool supporters in the Transfer Tavern are eagerly anticipating the 2018/19 Premier League season, as their side seek to build upon an encouraging campaign last time round by finally sustaining a title challenge.
Jurgen Klopp’s men impressed for much of last term in finishing fourth in the English top-flight and reaching the Champions League final, although they were beaten by Real Madrid in the European showpiece. Nonetheless, there were many promising signs for Reds supporters throughout the 2017/18 season, with many hopeful that Klopp can inspire a title challenge next time round given it has been 28 years since they last won the league.
Subsequently, there are many optimistic Liverpudlians in the Tavern at present, several of whom are likely to be intrigued by recent reports suggesting that Arsenal have made a move for Chelsea defender David Luiz.
And given his efforts in helping the Blues to the Premier League title back in 2017, Liverpool must seek to hijack the Gunners’ move for the £22.5 million-rated ace (as per Transfermarkt) if they are to indeed challenge for the Premier League title.
Ultimately, Virgil van Dijk has made a big difference to the Reds backline since his move from Southampton back in January, although there remain some doubts over the capabilities of Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip over the course of a Premier League season.
Both have been guilty of making costly and high-profile errors in recent times to suggest that they aren’t good enough to form a title-winning backline with van Dijk, whereas there are no such worries regarding Luiz’s capabilities.
The Brazil international, who failed to make the squad for this summer’s World Cup, was instrumental in helping Antonio Conte’s Chelsea to the title back in 2016/17, with the 31-year-old striking up a formidable partnership with Cesar Azpilicueta and Gary Cahill in Conte’s back three.
And he could do exactly the same alongside the authoritative van Dijk in the heart of Klopp’s backline, as Luiz has the defensive qualities, which weren’t evident in his first spell at Stamford Bridge between 2011 and 2014, alongside the ball-playing ability to complement the Dutchman.
And having also helped the Blues to Champions League glory back in 2012, and the Europa League title 12 months later, the defender would also bring much-needed trophy-winning experience to Klopp’s side, a side that will be seeking to win major honours next time round.
Arsenal have reportedly failed with an £18 million bid for Luiz in recent times, although with the Brazilian seemingly down the pecking order at the West London club, a move away could well happen this summer.
And Liverpool must also ask the question, as they are in need of a formidable centre back partnership to lay the foundations for a possible title push – Luiz could do just that alongside van Dijk.
Liverpool fans… what do you think? Let us know!
