5 free transfers Liverpool could target in the summer window
For the third summer transfer window in a row, Liverpool will have a different sporting director in charge of the purse strings.
Jorg Schmadtke took over from Julian Ward at the start of June, just a year after the revered transfer strategist Michael Edwards walked away from Merseyside. Wolfsburg’s former sporting director didn’t have long to get acquainted with his new surroundings before he was immediately thrust into the chaos of the summer window.
Here are some potential free transfers Schmadtke may be interested in to get his feet under the table.
Previous/current club: FC Koln
Liverpool’s midfield last season was accused of lacking the snarl and snap of Jurgen Klopp’s early teams. Ellyes Skhiri would certainly bring some of that industry back.
No player in the Bundesliga covered more distance than Koln’s workhorse last season (393.6km) while only two individuals could better his combined tally of tackles and interceptions. At 28, Skhiri’s fee would not have been insignificant if there were more years left on his deal.
Previous/current club: Getafe
The summer of 2023 is finally set to be the year in which Caoimhin Kelleher is mercifully unshackled from Liverpool’s bench. The immensely talented 24-year-old Republic of Ireland international has played second fiddle to Alisson for the last four seasons – now it may be David Soria’s turn.
The former Real Madrid youth team player is one of only three goalkeepers to preside over as many as ten clean sheets in each of the last five seasons. Yet, while Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Jan Oblak have been guarding the net for Barcelona and Atletico Madrid respectively, Soria has been in the firing line at modest Getafe.
After half a decade of consistency, Soria is almost owed the luxury of Liverpool’s backup.
Previous/current club: Arsenal
Liverpool could perhaps have done with Reiss Nelson last season. Against both Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth, the 23-year-old winger came off the bench to score decisive goals for Arsenal in two victories. Liverpool failed to score in 1-0 defeats to both promoted clubs.
While the Reds aren’t exactly short on wide forwards, the chance to nab an academy graduate of a direct rival for free may be too tempting to pass up. Nelson and Arsenal are in talks over a new deal but there is no reason why Liverpool can’t submit a rival offer.
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Previous/current club: Lyon
Following the departure of Roberto Firmino – who was briefly one of the most inviting free agent options on the market before agreeing on a move to Saudi Arabia – Liverpool’s slim centre-forward options have dwindled further.
Both Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez can fill in through the middle but Klopp tended to favour both of those players coming in off the left. Moussa Dembele is an old-school number nine, giving Liverpool’s fleet-footed forwards a focal point to buzz around.
Previous/current club: Aston Villa
After waving goodbye to one wisened veteran, Liverpool could welcome another one into Kirkby. Ashley Young, ironically, is six months older than James Milner but would bring the same level of professionalism and versatility.
Capable of filling in for either of Liverpool’s full backs, Young played over 2,000 Premier League minutes for Aston Villa last season (more than Poland international Matty Cash) and was open to another campaign in Birmingham.
Unai Emery turned down the chance of keeping Young around but Klopp may be tempted to bring him in.
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On this week’s edition of Talking Transfers, part of the 90min podcast network, Scott Saunders is joined by Toby Cudworth, Graeme Bailey and Sean Walsh to discuss Tottenham’s denial of receiving a bid from Bayern Munich for Harry Kane, Arsenal and Manchester City’s tug of war for West Ham captain Declan Rice, Man Utd’s ongoing pursuit of Mason Mount & more!
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