Anyone with Liverpool tickets will agree that the team needs serious surgery this summer, with several first-team stars expected to leave and the need for reinforcements. Yet, if one side’s success this season is any indication, things are looking up.
After the club signed as many as three midfielders rather than competing to get Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund, Liverpool’s strategy is becoming a little obvious. Yet, one cannot understate the challenge the Reds’ recruiting team will face in the coming months, especially with three midfielders expected to depart the club for free in the forthcoming transfer window, even without accounting for any sales.
Napoli-esque revival?
The pressure is now intense on the decision-makers at Anfield to make sure they have made the right choice in abandoning their chase of Bellingham after a poor season on all four fronts. But, if FSG executes the plan like Napoli did last summer, the choice will ultimately be considered nothing short of brilliant.
It is simple to forget that Luciano Spalletti’s team had more work in the transfer market last summer than Liverpool does this summer, as they practically coasted to their first Scudetto since 1990 and advanced to the quarterfinals of the Champions League. The Italian giant’s bold choice to capitalise on several well-known brands has more than paid off. Those with Liverpool tickets will expect a similar – if not better resurgence- from those calling the shots at the Kop.
One may remember that the Neopolitans released a number of their key players from previous campaigns, including star defender Kalidou Koulibaly, long-serving forwards Lorenzo Insigne and Dries Mertens, highly regarded midfielder Fabián Ruiz, and long-serving forwards Lorenzo Insigne and Dries Mertens. They used the money they had gained from those departures to renovate an outdated side.
Giacomo Raspadori, Giovanni Simeone, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (on loan) all charged through the entrance. Midfielders André-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Tanguy Ndombele, both on loan, joined them, and defender Kim Min-Jae was also drafted in. Without question, Napoli has benefited from its audacity in the months that have followed.
It’s important to remember that Napoli turned a profit during the previous summer’s transfer window, with an $83 million (£67 million/€76 million) outlay balanced by an $89 million (£70 million/€80 million) gain from sales. Anguissa, a crucial midfielder, and Kim, a centre-half who has been so effective this season, both cost Napoli just $18 million (£14 million/€16 million) and $19 million (£16 million/€18 million), respectively, making it clear to those with and without Liverpool tickets that there is significant value in the areas where Liverpool most urgently needs to make improvements this summer.
With only nine games remaining, Napoli is 16 points ahead of Lazio in second place in Serie A speaks for itself. Liverpool, who suffered a 4-1 thrashing at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium in September, is all too aware of how impressive the Italians’ turnaround has been throughout this season.
It would be fair to assume that all of their critical acquisitions from last summer have substantially impacted the team this season, given how outstanding the Gli Azzurri have been in local and international events. Also, individuals like Kvaratskhelia and Kim are easily worth three times what Spalletti spent for them a little over a year ago.
Liverpool face a challenging assignment this summer, there is no doubt about that, but Napoli is a compelling example of a team that has spent its money very efficiently. The results have been impressive this season. Reds fans will be sad not to have Bellingham this summer, but if Klopp’s team can undergo the same transformation as the Serie A leaders, then one imagines the complaints will be minor.
Transfer Watch
According to reports in TheTimes, Liverpool has targeted Ryan Gravenberch of Bayern Munich as a potential summer replacement after losing interest in Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham.
Liverpool is attempting to sign the young Holland player to revitalise their midfield.
Jose Mourinho, the manager of AS Roma, reportedly wants to bring in the fan favourite of those with Liverpool tickets, Roberto Firmino, from Liverpool in the summer, according to CalcioMercato.
Firmino won’t stay at Anfield for any additional time after his contract with Liverpool ends at the end of the current campaign. According to the article, Mourinho would try to get him to AS Roma even though his final destination is still in the air.
Fabrizio Romano claims that Lyon’s 20-year-old winger Bradley Barcola, who has contributed to four goals and seven of his own this season, is being watched by Liverpool.
The Englishman was slated to leave the club in the summer after losing favour at Stamford Bridge, and new contract negotiations between Chelsea and Mason Mount stalled. Liverpool were also showing interest. Yet, 90Min claims there may still be hope for the West London band.
According to the sources, Todd Boehly’s courtship of prominent managers like Luis Enrique and Julian Nagelsmann has pleased Mount. A position like that may be essential to keeping him around.
According to Fichajes, Liverpool is “infatuated” with Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and plans to pay €130 million to acquire the Georgian at the end of the current campaign.
Kvara has been brilliant for Napoli, guiding them to the pinnacle of the Serie A standings and the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League with 14 goals and 16 assists across all competitions.
Given that they already have someone like Luis Diaz in that position, it’s questionable how the Reds will be able to pay such a high price for only one player.
Matteo Moretto claims that Liverpool is in the lead in the competition to sign Brighton midfielder Alexis MacAllister during the upcoming transfer window.
Mac Allister is considered the ideal choice to join Liverpool’s midfield as they try to bolster it with younger players; nevertheless, the source claims that Chelsea will be vying for his services.
Liverpool has been connected with several midfielders and might be interested in signing the star midfielder for Inter Milan and Italy. Inter Milan are reportedly getting used to Nicolo Barella departing San Siro, according to CalcioMercatoWeb.
Barella is still one of the most excellent and brightest central midfield technicians in Serie A, but Inter Milan are wary of his attitude and might view this as a way to raise money.
Liverpool and other Premier League teams are keeping a careful eye on the situation as Inter Milan has now established a minimum asking price of €50 million (£44 million).
Matheus Nunes, a midfielder on the Wolves roster who is a target for Liverpool, will now cost £50 million, according to Football Insider.
According to the article, Nunes formerly had a £44 million release clause, but they have since removed it. Yet, they are also open to paying him a more reasonable price.
Some of the wealthiest clubs in Europe are interested in signing Alexis MacAllister, the World Cup-winning midfielder for Brighton & Hove Albion. Journalist Cesar Luis Merlo claims that Liverpool is expressing “particular interest” in acquiring him.
Brighton is rumoured to be open to accepting Mac Allister bids in the neighbourhood of £70 million. Arsenal and Manchester United are expected to challenge Liverpool.
Liverpool is reportedly interested in signing Swedish custodian Leopold Wahlstedt this summer, according to Fotbolltransfers.
The 23-year-old custodian has impressed for Odds BK in Norway, and Anfield officials have taken notice. Alisson Becker, the Reds’ first-choice custodian, is poised to quit the team at the end of the current campaign in search of regular football, and Wahlstedt has now surfaced as a potential replacement.
Wahlstedt will be moving to Liverpool for free because his contract with Odds BK ends at the end of the current campaign.
With the club already preparing for 2023/24, an exciting host of signings could trigger the club’s next project. Fans are very excited, and Liverpool tickets are selling hot and fast. As such, official retailer sites may not be your best bet. Authentic resellers can help you source valid, reliable tickets.
