Liverpool are a side in major transition and whilst improvements have been made under Jurgen Klopp, the German boss has his work cut out this summer to assemble a side that’s able to compete for honours.
Whilst the Reds do boast a side breaming with talent, they’re still some way off establishing themselves as Premier League contenders and things will only get increasingly difficult with the TV money being splashed by clubs across the division.
Liverpool have also got to worry about the fact that Manchester City will go for broke under Pep Guardiola, whilst Manchester United and Chelsea will also be spending under their new bosses. On top of that, Arsenal are also emerging once again as a powerhouse in England.
Five top clubs and just four Champions League spaces, one team is going to be unhappy once again at the end of the 2016/17 season and Liverpool need to spend to ensure that it isn’t them- as they could find another year without Champions League football difficult to bounce back from.
This is though, full of potential signings for Jurgen Klopp, is definitely able to complete and all the signings are genuinely possible.
Hit Klopp below to see what his 2016/17 Liverpool team could look like!
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Marc-Andre Ter Stegen
Simon Mignolet is clearly not up to it and rumours have continued to link Liverpool with German international Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, which would be a massive coup if they were to land him from Champions League winners Barcelona.
However, it’s not unrealistic as the Catalan side continue to overlook the young stopper in favour of the more experienced Claudio Bravo. Understandably, Ter Stegen is far from happy with this and a move to the Premier League could follow.
With Tottenham, Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal already boasting top-class goalkeepers, Liverpool are the only side in England where the German could genuinely fit in.
Nathaniel Clyne
Clyne has set the world alight in his debut season at Anfield but the England international has done enough to impress, so much so that he will continue to be the club’s first-choice right back heading into next season- which is massive for the former Southampton man.
He’ll still have to prove himself though but alongside this potential defence, the youngster will certainly have the partners to help him see his career progress to new heights- which is also good news for the England national team, who have lacked a decent right-back for years.
Neven Subotic
Jurgen Klopp is a massive fan of Neven Subotic, having work with him for years at Borussia Dortmund, and he could bring the defender to the Premier League this summer, with German giants Dortmund reluctant to offer him first-team assurances.
That looks set to continue so a reunion with Klopp, with a Liverpool side that desperately need improving at the heart of defence, would appeal to all parties. A shot-term fix because of the player’s age, Subotic would quell the immediate problems and allow Klopp more time to find a suitable long-term successor.
Joel Matip
One signing already in the bag for this summer is Cameroonian defender Joel Matip, who is set to leave Schalke on a free transfer at the end of the season and the 23-year-old has already agreed a pre-contractual agreement with Liverpool.
Young enough to bolster the defence for years to come and experienced enough to quell Liverpool’s immediate problems, Matip is the ideal signing and getting him for nothing is a shrewd bit of business by the Merseyside outfit.
Alberto Moreno
Although not entirely convincing in defence, Alberto Moreno is quality going forward and has the makings of a quality modern day full-back in that capacity. His defensive work definitely needs improving but with this side, the dangers of his play would be limited.
Klopp will undoubtedly work with the player this summer and he’s unlikely to be ousted as his cut-throat attitude and play makes him the perfect candidate to play a role in Jurgen Klopp’s pressing side. In fact, the German boss could be the making of the Spaniard at Anfied.
Granit Xhaka
Another potential arrival from the Bundesliga (we’re sure you’ve noticed the trend) is Borussia Monchengladbach’s excellent Swiss international Granit Xhaka, who’s attracting vast interest in England with Manchester City and Arsenal incredibly keen on his services.
The interest of those two Premier League rivals could cause Liverpool problems but Xhaka would settle quickly at Anfield, where he would have many colleagues in his side that have also made the jump from the Bundesliga.
Still, the lack of Champions League football for Liverpool may be decisive in this chase.
Jordan Henderson
The Liverpool captain has endured a difficult season marred by injury but the England international will continue to be a crucial player in the coming seasons, as he does his utmost to fill the shoes left vacant by Steven Gerrard.
It’s extremely unlikely he will ever provide the same impact as the Reds legend but Henderson can be a quality player nonetheless- and Liverpool will consider him to be the starting midfielder in a more deeper role, behind an attacking trio.
Philippe Coutinho
The Brazilian has his critics, and this season he hasn’t done too much to silence them with some disappointing performances at times, but Philippe Coutinho remains a valuable player in the Liverpool set-up.
Should the Reds provide him with the right support, Coutinho could genuinely become a Premier League superstar and he has the qualities to fire Liverpool to glory and back into the Champions League.
Liverpool won’t keep hold of him forever, so it’s important they utilise his talents whilst they still can.
Mario Gotze
The German international’s career has hit a stumbling block since he swapped Borussia Dortmund for Bayern Munich and if new boss Carlo Ancelotti doesn’t offer the World Cup final goalscorer first-team assurances, he could well leave the Bundesliga.
Gotze will be keen to ensure he spends no more years wasted so a reunion with former boss Jurgen Klopp could be perfect for all parties, as Gotze would immediately be handed a central role in the Liverpool set-up and he’d be regarded as a crucial asset.
Jordon Ibe
The youngster has been touted as capable of emulating Raheem Sterling but it’s clear he has some way to go. Nevertheless, now with plenty of first-team experience under his belt, Jordon Ibe can really kick-on and next season could be the making of him.
With Liverpool underperforming, pressure upon players like Ibe increases but with a quality team around him, Ibe can relax a bit more and focus on his own performances without taking the weight of the result onto his shoulders.
Javier Hernandez
Ousted by Manchester United boss Louis Van Gaal, Javier Hernandez has certainly proved himself in the Bundesliga as he has been a superstar for Bayer Leverkusen. However, he may not stay there for long.
Leverkusen are not a massive club and the lure of a bigger side could prove to be telling, whilst Hernandez would likely love another chance in the Premier League as a first-choice striker after playing second-fiddle for the majority of his time at Old Trafford.
Jurgen Klopp wants a quality, proven striker and Hernandez could be the ideal signing for his side.
