This article forms part of our Transfer Scenario feature, which is where Football Transfer Tavern takes a look at a recent transfer rumour and suggests what the potential consequences would be, should a deal be completed.
Much talk has surrounded the future of striker Timo Werner in recent transfer windows. The Germany international, currently of RB Leipzig, was linked with a move to Liverpool during the summer, though a move never came to fruition as Jurgen Klopp decided against adding any more senior outfield players to his squad.
That is not to say that a move for the 23-year-old is totally off the cards, though. Liverpool are still being mentioned as a potential suitor for the young forward, who is already taking the Bundesliga by storm once again, scoring five goals in his opening five games for Leipzig this term, per Transfermarkt.
Transfer Tavern has taken a look at what the potential consequences would be, should Werner link up with the Reds next year…
Roberto Firmino tasked with deeper role?
Liverpool’s front-three is arguably the best in the world right now. They are feared and for good reason; destructive in every sense of the world, while understanding each other almost telepathically (barring one opportunity at Turf Moor a few weeks back). They never seem to get injured, either.
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side are a pleasure to watch and this season look as though they could just finally win the Premier League after an agonising 30-year long wait for top-flight glory. Six wins from six without even breaking a sweat is the sort of form that – despite how early we are into the season – makes people sit up and take notice, isn’t it?
The Reds’ success is largely down to Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino – alongside having the world’s best centre-half assuring the back-line – though soon has to come a time when Klopp realises that he needs top-class cover up-front, in the case of any injuries to the ever-present world-beaters at the top end of the pitch.
Divock Origi serves as a good replacement to start in cup competitions and to feature off of the substitutes the bench in the latter stages of matches where Liverpool are already cruising, but to put him into the same talent-bracket as the aforementioned superstars would be laughed at by anyone with an ounce of footballing knowledge.
Liverpool need another world-class striker, or a striker with world-class potential, at least. Origi is good, but he isn’t that; Werner is. But where would he fit in at Anfield, if not on the bench? Well, one option could be dropping Roberto Firmino into the No.10 position, just behind the front-three, which would, in turn, free up a spot for Werner up front.
The Brazilian is an unbelievable footballer who creates the chances for both Mane and Salah to capitalise on. He often gets overlooked due to his two wingers’ consistent ability to find the back of the net almost every time they step foot on the pitch, though without him this Liverpool side simply wouldn’t tick; they would be nowhere near as effective.
Goals come for Firmino, but unlike Salah and Mane that is not his sole purpose. His main contribution comes from assists, link-up play and clever off-the-ball movement; he is a genius of his trade – proven by his statistics in recent seasons. Alongside his hugely impressive 69 goals in a Liverpool shirt since joining the club in 2015, the South American has provided 51 assists (via Transfermarkt).
So, would dropping Firmino back into a deeper position, with a striker as quick and instinctive as Werner just in front of him, running off the shoulders of Premier League centre-backs, be beneficial? It’s hard to see the negatives, especially with two of the best wide men in world football helping out on either flank.
Liverpool fans, would you like to see Werner move to Anfield next year? Let us know in the comments!
