Liverpool is gearing up for a significant summer transformation as Jurgen Klopp’s eight-and-a-half-year reign comes to a close. The German tactician is saying goodbye to Merseyside, seeking relief from the demands of top-tier coaching. Feyenoord’s Arne Slot is set to step in, with a deal already in place for him to take the reins at Anfield.
At this moment, nothing has been officially confirmed, but it’s highly probable that Slot will soon be joining Erik ten Hag, who has faced challenges at Manchester United. Meanwhile, uncertainty looms over certain key figures at Liverpool.
Speculation surrounds the futures of Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, who are both approaching the end of their contracts, with Darwin Nunez also emerging in recent transfer discussions.
In June 2022, Nunez joined Liverpool for a club-record fee of £85 million, including bonuses, making him the most expensive purchase from Benfica.
With an impressive track record of 34 goals in his final season in Portugal, Nunez arrived with high expectations to excel in the Premier League.
Over the past two years, Nunez has shown glimpses of brilliance, utilizing his pace, athleticism, and unpredictable playing style. However, he has often faltered in crucial moments, consistently missing clear-cut opportunities in front of goal, which are essential for securing league titles and continental trophies.
Due to his inconsistent performances, Nunez’s position as a starter has been uncertain at times, and his playing time could have been further limited if not for ongoing injury issues plaguing Diogo Jota.
Speculation has arisen regarding Nunez’s future, with Barcelona emerging as a potential destination as they prepare for the post-Lewandowski era. Nunez’s recent action of removing all Liverpool-related content from his Instagram account has only intensified rumors surrounding a possible departure.
The question is, were Nunez to charge out of the Anfield door, who on earth could replace him?
Viktor Gyokeres
- Current club: Sporting CP
- Likely fee: £86m
- 2023/24 appearances: 47
- 2023/24 goals: 41
Liverpool’s recent dominance has been fueled by prolific goal-scoring from wide forward positions. With Mohamed Salah leading the charge from the right wing and Sadio Mane offering strong support, the duo formed a formidable attacking partnership.
However, since Mane’s departure, his goal-scoring presence has been sorely missed. While players like Jota, Luis Diaz, and Cody Gakpo have attempted to fill the gap, their contributions have resembled more of what Roberto Firmino offers in the central striker role.
Bringing in a striker of Gyokeres‘ caliber could potentially be a game-changer for Liverpool. Despite the hefty price tag, the Swedish forward has enjoyed a stellar season with Sporting CP, boasting a similar physicality to Nunez while demonstrating superior composure in front of goal and playmaking ability.
Crucially, Gyokeres is a traditional number nine, which would provide clarity to Liverpool’s attacking setup. This clarity would allow players like Jota and Gakpo to thrive in their respective roles without the need to constantly adapt, potentially unlocking their full potential.
Alexander Isak
- Current club: Newcastle United
- Likely fee: At least £80m
- 2023/24 appearances: 37
- 2023/24 goals: 24
Focused on central strikers, Liverpool should prioritize signing one with a proven track record in the Premier League. Alexander Isak from Newcastle emerges as a strong candidate.
Despite some injury setbacks, Isak has showcased exceptional performance at St James’ Park. His impressive numbers are complemented by his adept link-up play, offering versatility to lead the attack solo or alongside a partner when needed.
In the pursuit of balance and work ethic, Isak stands out as a reliable option for Liverpool, capable of adapting tactics or delivering crucial goals when required.
Santiago Gimenez
- Current club: Feyenoord
- Likely fee: At least £45m
- 2023/24 appearances: 41
- 2023/24 goals: 26
Gyokeres and Isak would command high prices, no doubt. This is where Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez, a disciple of Arne Slot, could be a valuable addition.
At just 23, Gimenez, born in Argentina but representing Mexico, shares traits with Nunez. He excels in pressing opponents, running into channels, and leading counterattacks, often making better decisions than Nunez.
Gimenez’s finishing has notably improved in recent years, indicating his compatibility with Slot’s coaching methods. Is he a safe option? Perhaps. But he could free up funds for other areas.
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