Liverpool’s 2023/24 Premier League campaign fell short despite a valiant effort, trailing behind the eventual champions. They also faced defeats from the same rivals in both the FA Cup and Europa League tournaments.
Jurgen Klopp’s announcement of his departure in January heightened expectations, casting an unwelcome spotlight despite Liverpool’s resurgence from the struggles of the previous season. They finished third with 82 points, a significant improvement from the disappointing 2022/23 campaign.
Arne Slot now leads a squad rich in talent, aiming to build on their Carabao Cup success and vie for more prestigious trophies in the upcoming season.
Last season revealed Liverpool’s squad as talented but lacking in the fierce competition for major titles. Strategic advancements in the transfer market are crucial in the months ahead, with FSG poised to seize opportunities should the right player become available.
Interestingly, one of Europe’s most sought-after talents could potentially join Liverpool’s radar.
Liverpool have shown keen interest in Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala, as reported by The Mirror this week. The 21-year-old German international has been in impressive form at Euro 2024, netting two goals in as many games.
Despite being under contract with Bayern until 2026, Musiala is exploring his options despite a lucrative new offer from the club. Reports earlier this year indicated Bayern would seek £100 million if he were to depart this summer, potentially making it a club-record move for Liverpool.
Alongside Chelsea and Manchester City, Liverpool are eager to secure Musiala’s services in the Premier League. Musiala, who grew up in London, is particularly keen on playing in England’s top flight.
Jamal Musiala’s Season in Numbers
BBC presenter Gary Lineker praised Musiala as “magical” following his impressive performances at the Euros, where he scored in both of the host nation’s victories and showcased his skill with tricks and flicks.
| Euro 2024 Stats: Jamal Musiala | ||
|---|---|---|
| Statistics | vs Scotland | vs Hungary |
| Minutes played | 74′ | 72′ |
| Goals | 1 | 1 |
| Shots | 3 | 1 |
| Touches | 59 | 61 |
| Accurate passes | 32/32 (100%) | 39/45 (87%) |
| Dribble attempts | 5/8 | 1/2 |
| Duels won | 9/15 | 7/10 |
| Tackles | 2 | 3 |
| Stats via Sofascore | ||
Very few players possess the stylish cunning and flair comparable to Musiala. His mastery in carrying the ball and effortlessly maneuvering past defenses has earned him praise for “world-class” performances from Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann.
Moreover, Musiala showcases remarkable versatility. While primarily operating on the left flank, he has achieved considerable success playing centrally. Recently, for Germany, he has even been seen on the right wing, frequently roaming the attacking third.
In the German Bundesliga, Musiala’s Bayern team endured a challenging season under Thomas Tuchel, finishing third after dominating for 11 years. Despite this, Musiala stood out as one of Germany’s top performers.
According to Sofascore, the young forward featured in 24 matches, starting 20, scoring ten goals, providing six assists, and impressively averaging 1.8 key passes, 3.6 dribbles, and 7.2 successful duels per game.
Liverpool’s interest in Musiala is centered on his ability to combine goals and assists with a dynamic style that highlights both his aggressiveness and creativity.
Compared to Michael Olise, lauded as “one of the EPL’s best players” last season by scout Jacek Kulig, Musiala could be a valuable addition to Liverpool as they look to transition into a new era post-Klopp.
Musiala Could Be Slot’s Own Michael Olise
Interestingly, Olise is set to move to Germany, as Bayern have reached an agreement with Crystal Palace for a €60m (£51m) fee to secure his transfer to the Allianz Arena this summer. Despite significant interest from several Premier League clubs, Bayern Munich has emerged victorious in acquiring the services of the French U21 international.
Olise showcased his brilliance in the English top division last season despite being restricted to just 19 starts due to injuries. He managed to score ten goals and provide six assists, while also averaging 1.9 key passes, 2.1 dribbles, and 5.7 successful duels per match.
Looking at the seasonal statistics of the two players, it’s evident that both excel in a similar style, demonstrating impressive productivity and success through their determined and versatile performances.
| 23/24 Stat Comparison: Michael Olise vs Jamal Musiala | ||
|---|---|---|
| Statistics (per 90) | Michael Olise | Jamal Musiala |
| Goals scored | 0.64 | 0.41 |
| Assists | 0.42 | 0.21 |
| Shots taken | 3.95 | 2.77 |
| Shot-creating actions | 5.79 | 5.03 |
| Pass completion | 74.9% | 82.7% |
| Progressive passes | 5.51 | 5.10 |
| Progressive carries | 4.80 | 5.30 |
| Successful take-ons | 2.82 | 4.07 |
| Ball recoveries | 4.79 | 4.67 |
| Tackles | 1.34 | 1.78 |
| Interceptions | 0.78 | 0.96 |
| All stats via FBref | ||
Upon reviewing the aggregated statistics, it becomes clear that Olise excelled notably in goals and assists compared to Musiala. However, Musiala showcases exceptional prowess in both shot creation and driving forward with the ball, demonstrating a sharper and more frequent offensive approach than Olise.
Additionally, Musiala displays a stronger defensive contribution, frequently making tackles and interceptions to disrupt opposing attacks and regain possession.
Known for his analytical acumen in the transfer market, Michael Edwards may overlook Musiala’s less prolific goal-scoring season with Bayern Munich when considering a potential acquisition.
Indeed, Musiala emerges as one of Europe’s most thrilling and effective attacking midfielders. While his acquisition may come at a high cost, he would undoubtedly be a worthwhile addition to Slot’s new Liverpool squad.
At 21 years old, Musiala also offers long-term potential, promising to be a significant asset for Liverpool under Slot’s management for years to come, rather than a short-term solution that would need replacing in the near future.
It now falls to Edwards and his team to negotiate a deal for this talented midfielder, ensuring that Slot can integrate his own version of Olise into Liverpool’s lineup for the upcoming season.
In other Liverpool news, Nico Williams Sends Clear Message to Liverpool as 21-year-old Summer Target Makes Final Transfer Decision