Liverpool fans in the Transfer Tavern are delighted with the club’s early business in the transfer window despite missing out on Lyon’s Nabil Fekir.
After Jurgen Klopp sealed a £40m deal for Monaco midfielder Fabinho, Lyon’s skipper was expected to be the next player to arrive at Anfield. However, the £53m move was scuppered following a medical due to concerns over Fekir’s knee injury. With the World Cup having started, a deal could still be completed later in the window, but it seems unlikely.
Instead, Liverpool must pursue other targets and continue strengthening their squad to challenge Manchester City for the title next season. Klopp desperately needs depth in his forward positions – there is a lack of quality outside of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah in their forward line. The Reds should look to take advantage of Sporting Lisbon’s current situation and lure one of their best forwards to Anfield.
After terminating his contract with the club, former Liverpool target Gelson Martins could be available for free this summer. Valued at £31.5m by Transfermarkt, the winger was initially targeted last summer but interest died after Klopp landed Salah instead – and we all know how that move turned out. With Martins now available, the German should rekindle his interest.
The 23-year-old scored 13 goals and notched 13 assists in all competitions last season and is one of Portugal’s hottest prospects. He has blistering pace and would give Liverpool a quality option in attack, allowing Klopp to rotate and rest his key players. Martins’ best years are ahead of him and working under the former Borussia Dortmund manager would only improve his game.
He will have plenty of suitors if his termination at Sporting is accepted, Liverpool must move quickly to secure the bargain of the summer.
Liverpool fans, thoughts?
