Who Should Liverpool Get Rid of to Reform a Bloated Squad? – 2021/22 by Nathan Brennan

Liverpool’s 20/21 season was one to forget for large portions of the season. However, unlike many members of Twitter and the media would like you to believe, there isn’t actually much wrong with this Liverpool side or the management, with a majority of our under-performances coming as a result of unimaginable injuries. The argument has been made that all teams struggle with injuries throughout the season, however none have come even near to the level of Liverpool’s woes. As of January 2021, Liverpool’s players missed a total of 155 games, the closest to which was Everton whose players missed 106 games (Tribuna). This has only worsened and gotten more serious and prolonged as the season progressed into its second-half too, and despite looking for reinforcements in January, it is clear mass reform is needed to return to the top of the league in 2021/2022.

Selling –

In terms of who should leave the club, there is a number of names which no doubt stand out more than others amongst Liverpool fans. Before getting into who Liverpool should sign, I think quite a few players have gone well beyond their served time at the club, and a mutual departure would be best for both these players and the club this Summer. Nonetheless, here is who I think should be on the way out of the club this Summer.

Departure #1 – Adrian – Release –

It comes as no surprise that Adrian will be one of the first players out the door this Summer ahead of the 2021/22 season. Adrian obviously played his part at the start of the title-winning season, however he also played his part in some absolutely awful mistakes, such as being solely responsible for our crashing out of the Champions League in 2020/21 against Atletico Madrid. Despite playing only three games this season, Adrian has almost matched the same number of goals conceded in three games (9) as in eleven games last season (10). Along with that, his goals conceded per 90 has trebled, along with his save percentage being just 52.6%. It is fair to say that Adrian wasn’t ever a great goalkeeper, but in 2020/21 he hit new levels of error-prone, and that at least for now, Kelleher has rightfully overtaken him as the club’s second-choice. Adrian will be thanked for his heroics in the Super Cup, however the time to go once his contact expires this Summer is more clear than ever.

(Source: Telegraph)

Departure #2 – Neco Williams – Loan/£10million –

Neco Williams was a player that showed great promise when he broke through with the likes of Curtis Jones in 19/20, however since then he has shown a stunt in his progress and has been on the end of some overblown backlash from fans. Williams no doubt shows promise, which he showed particularly in a game where he came on against Bournemouth in 19/20. However, it is going to be an uphill battle to overthrow Trent from the starting spot, and as a back-up, he really doesn’t seem to be ready. Ideally I think a loan to a Championship club or maybe even a permanent move if the money was right, such was the case with the likes of Rhian Brewster. Neco’s career seems to have taken a step back this season at club level, although his form internationally has still shown his promise as a young talent. I think a loan would be best for us and Neco, however a bid of £10million+ would be tempting to let him go on a permanent move in my opinion.

(Source: Irish Mirror)

Departure #3 – Gini Wijnaldum –

Despite having a significant appreciate for Wijnaldum as a player, and wanting him to stand and sign a new deal, I am aware that the chances of that happening are becoming lesser and lesser. I think most people expect Gini to end his stint at Liverpool this Summer when his contract expires, however, most fans seem to think of this as a positive rather than a negative. Wijnaldum has been the most prevalent and important midfielder to Klopp since he joined in 16/17. In our Champions League winning campaign Wijnaldum played more times than any of Henderson, Fabinho, Keita or Milner. As well as this, he played more 90minutes than any of those midfielders mentioned too. In our title-winning campaign, Wijnaldum played more times than any other midfielder, and started more games than any other midfielder also.

Even in the current season where his contract is almost certain to expire, Wijnaldum continues to play more games than any other midfielder in the squad whilst also having the highest pass completion percentage of any other midfielder in the squad too. Wijnaldum is under-appeciated for being seen as a player who is not attacking enough, however that is clearly his role in the system, and not due to a lack of attacking ability, as shown by his form for the Netherlands. Wijnaldum has perfected a role of retaining and recycling possession under Klopp, and even in his final months at the club is still showing his ability to retain possession and relieve pressure through having the highest dribbles attempted, dribbles completed and players dribbled past in the entire squad combined with the best pass completion percentage in the squad too, as mentioned earlier.

It will be sad to see Wijnaldum go, and even harder to replace him, and let me make it clear that his inclusion on this list of departures is only due to his inevitable departure, not because I myself wish to see him leave. I for one will always remember Gini for some iconic moments such as those against Middlesborough to secure Champions League football, or the obviously iconic goals against Barcelona to complete the most memorable night of my life.

(Source: Rush the Kop)

Departure #4 – Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – £20million –

Look, I am sad to include Ox on this list as when he first arrived he felt like a breath of fresh air with his progressiveness on the ball and long-shot ability. He will always be remembered for that Gerrard-esque goal against Manchester City. However, there is no doubt that his ability as a footballer has been massively stunted by the injuries he has been plagued by since joining the club. Unfortunately, at 27, and two years left on his current contract, it would be ridiculous to try turn his career around on the club and risk losing him for nothing after spending £40million on him in 2017.

Chamberlain is becoming deadwood it seems, and despite playing well off the bench a number of weeks ago, he lacks that rhythm and consistency to really nail down a place in that midfield, having only started two games this season, and in those two games being substituted off before the hour-mark. This is obviously down to injuries in many ways, but having been fit for four months now, it still says a lot when 19 year-old Curtis Jones is showing more maturity in his play and more trust from Klopp than 27 year-old Oxlade-Chamberlain. I think the squad and club has outgrown him, and he has been left behind, and although I wish him the best whenever he does leave, I think he easily goes down as one of the worst over-spends in Liverpool’s Premier League history and I’d snatch somebody’s hand off at the offer of even £20million this Summer for him.

(Source: Rousing the Kop)

Departure #5 – Divock Origi – £10-15million –

Thanks for the memories Divock, but it is time to go. It is a sad affair as Origi should have left the club after his iconic moments in 2019, although he just didn’t and instead has gone on to have that legacy tarnished by not just a lack of footballing ability, but a lack of effort when given the chance.

Origi has started only two games in the league this season and has scored zero goals. He once was an effective choice off the bench, and scored major goals that only dreams could be made of in 2019, however since then his role off the bench has been to completely nullify any potential of scoring when he comes on. Origi has had an expected xG this season of 0.9, and even at that, has failed to live up to it. He was never a great player, but even when given a rare opportunity this season, Origi has shown that his standards are lower than even I thought they could ever be.

Conclusion –

Overall, there is too many players not pulling their weight in this squad at the moment, and some of the ones mentioned are just the major offenders. I think getting rid of the deadwood mentioned and replacing them with eager and fresh faces would be a good way to improve an already good squad. If you’re interested in who I think Liverpool should be signing to challenge for the 21/22 title, then be sure to check back next week when I look into the potential incomings I’d like to see.

Who Should Liverpool Sign This Summer to Maintain Their Position at the Top? by Nathan Brennan

A lot has been made of the lack of investment in the last two Summers, with last Summer being somewhat forgivable. However, with the clear investment even from the smallest clubs in the league this season, fans are growing more impatient than ever, begging the owners to back Klopp in what has been an agonising window as we have already seen known top targets such as Timo Werner move to rivals within the same league as ourselves due to the owners failing to supply the funds.

Regardless of the money situation, I will be going over in this piece a number of signings that would fit Liverpool in a number of areas I feel would help strengthen the squad in order to assist the club in maintaining this high level of competitiveness for years to come.

The first-position I think Liverpool should be focusing toward is in defence. The back five is decided and set in stone on most occasions, with depth being added to the only really weak position with the addition of Tsimikas this Summer. However, I do think with the departure of Lovren and the struggle of young prospects such as Van den Berg, it would be smart for Liverpool to consider dipping into the transfer market for a fourth choice centre-back.

For this shortlist of options for a fourth-choice centre-back I have concluded the following options:
– Ben White
– Ben Godfrey
– Fabian Schar 
– Pau Torres

Ben White – Brighton & Hove Albion (£25million+)

Following a successful breakthrough campaign on-loan at Leeds in which he assisted in getting the historic club back up to the Premier League, Ben White has seen his reputation and market value skyrocket, with Leeds being desperately trying to sign the defender on a permanent deal only for his parent-club Brighton to reject three separate bids, the highest being £25million. Ben White played all 46 of Leeds’ games in the Championship in 19/20 and even played in a defensive midfield position on a few occasions. However, the English nationality and hefty price-tag may be the major deterrence when it comes to any clubs trying to sign him, especially for what would be the fourth-choice at a club like Liverpool.

Ben Godfrey – Norwich City (£15million). 

Having had a meteoric rise from the bottom to the Premier League in recent years, Ben Godfrey shows he has the mentality to rise to the occasion. Despite being relegated in a pretty poor Norwich side, Ben Godfry has been one for the few players that seemed to have the potential to make a name for himself in the Premier League. According to sources, he is potentially valued at around £15million, with that once again being a hefty price for a fourth-choice centre-back. However, with time on his side at just 22 and being English, that seems like a very reasonable price.

Fabian Schar – Newcastle United (£15million).

Schar had a stellar first season on Tyneside, making himself somewhat of a cult-hero amongst Newcastle fans early on, and he followed that first season up with a great start to the 19/20 campaign before being struck down by injury. Schar never really hit the heights of his first season since returning from injury, and following an early end to his season after another injury set-back, it is fair to say that Schar has plenty of time to consider what he wants for himself. Schar is not getting any younger at 28, but he has shown he has what it takes for Premier League football, excelling on many occasions at centre-back and even occasionally moving into midfield. Schar may be available for around £15million.

Pau Torres – Villareal (£30million). 

A somewhat more unrealistic option and one who probably would not be keen to bench-warm, even at a club like Liverpool would be Villareal’s Pau Torres. Torres is only 23 and has been capped for Spain. He is good on the ball and would be valued at around £30million, which would make him the most expensive option amongst our centre-back shortlist. An unrealistic option but one that I feel would fit well regardless. Pau Torres has been linked to the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and even Barcelona in recent weeks.

In other areas of the team I think Liverpool have still never replaced Coutinho, and still lack major creativity and ability to dictate a game when Trent is not on his best form or isn’t available. This is why I have made a shortlist of the following options who would be perfect for this role in the team:

– Thiago Alcantara
– Philippe Coutinho
– Todd Cantwell

Thiago Alcantara – Bayern Munich (£30million).

Now this one is a no-brainer, and clearly, Klopp thinks the same. Thiago has been heavily linked with Liverpool and is practically begging to join the club following his intentions to leave Bayern Munich with just a year left on his contract. Bayern is looking for £30million for one of the best midfielders in world football, who ran the Champions League final earlier this month. Thiago has achieved all he can in world football and is on his knees to have the chance to try and win another title for Jurgen Klopp’s men next season. However, once again it does seem like Klopp may have to watch one of his targets move to another club with FSG struggling to part ways with funds.

Philippe Coutinho – Barcelona (£60million).

With the replacement of Coutinho being a point of struggle for the club since his departure in 2018, who better to replace Coutinho than Coutinho himself. With life at Barca not being what Coutinho once dreamed, with him being played out of position before being shipped out on loan to Bayern Munich where they declined the option to purchase the Brazilian, Coutinho’s future at the Catalan club is very much so up in the air. However, Coutinho’s time at Bayern has shown glimpses that he can be his past self when utilised in the correct role, something which Klopp knows all too well. Coutinho’s price has also plummeted since his £140million move to Barcelona, with the club now reportedly willing to consider offers that are more than half that original price.

Realistically, I think the Coutinho ship has sailed though. He made it clear his desire to return last season, and I think that was the best chance for his return. His awkward return coupled with a hefty price-tag for Liverpool at the moment, along with him not getting any younger all combine to make it a transfer that is hard to see happy at any point, let alone this Summer.

Todd Cantwell – Norwich City (£20million). 
A more realistic and cheaper option at the moment for Liverpool would be Todd Cantwell. Despite being in a team that struggled massively going forward, Todd Cantwell was a player who fitted perfectly into the Premier League. He managed six goals in the Premier League from midfield at just 22 years of age, and with better players around him he could find himself being more of an attacking threat in a better team. Norwich went down, and Cantwell is more than good enough to get another chance in the Premier League.

Now we move onto the final section of the team that I think needs improvement. The attack. The lack of firepower on the bench last season left many seeing a glaring issue when it comes to the depth that lies behind the traditional front three. I think the following names would be something that Liverpool should be considering to bolster their attacking options:

– Ismaili Sarr
– Adama Traore
– Allan Saint-Maximin

Ismaili Sarr – Watford (£40million).

A hefty price-tag for a relegated forward, but Watford seem to be sticking by their hefty asking price for Ismaili Sarr in hopes of not losing anything in terms of what they paid for him only a year ago. Sarr struggled at times throughout the season, but whenever Watford played to his strengths, I saw similarities to the wingers that Liverpool have at the moment, which he showed at Vicarage Road to end Liverpool’s unbeaten run. Sarr is a hefty-price, but that may potentially drop if he pushes to play Premier League football next season and I think reuniting him with his ‘older brother’ Sadio Mane would be a brilliant idea.

Adama Traore – Wolves (£40million+)

Another expensive option, Adama Traore showed that he is one of the most feared forwards on the planet last season, finally finding his ability to provide that final step in his forward runs and actions. Starting and off the bench, he is a player that strikes fear into opponents with his huge build and lightning pace. Although an unrealistic target at the moment, Klopp is a great admirer of the Spaniard, and would no doubt love to bring him in if the opportunity arose.

Allan Saint-Maximin – Newcastle (£25million+)

Saint-Maximin may not have had the numbers to back it up, but he is a player that gets fans off their seat. Newcastle’s defensive tactics did not lend themselves well to new additions like Saint-Maximin and Joelinton, however unlike the Brazilian, Saint-Maximin was a player who managed to shine regardless in a very defensive side. Given the freedom to link-up and take on defenders in a team like Liverpool, Saint-Maximin could be a force to be reckoned with.

So, there you have it. Those are the additions I think Liverpool need to make to maintain their level that they have played at for the last two years. Not all of them are realistic, but many are acquirable in the current market if the club were to back Klopp to the level he deserves.