MY ACCOUNT
Anfield waved goodbye to James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and Roberto Firmino after Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Aston Villa last Saturday.
And the vacancies left by the departing stars means the Reds are bound to be busy in the summer transfer market.
A midfield renovation is on the agenda, with Fabinho, Thiago Alcantara and Jordan Henderson beyond their prime years, while defensive reinforcements are required, too.
We take a look at the young talent Jurgen Klopp should sign to ensure that this disappointing campaign is a one-off.
Levi Colwill
Levi Colwill, 20, should be considered the future of Chelsea’s defence but their need to balance the books may tempt Liverpool to make a move.
The defender is bound to be an England regular before long after impressing for Huddersfield last season and in Brighton’s successful pursuit of Europe this term.
Only Ruben Dias and Rodri have completed more passes per 90 mins in the Premier League in 2022-23, while the Cobham academy graduate ranks 12th for interceptions and fourth for aerial duels won of all top-half central defenders.
The futures of Joe Gomez and Joel Matip are unclear, so Colwill could be the man to upgrade Liverpool’s backline.
Armel Bella-Kotchap
Liverpool have had great success raiding relegated clubs in the past, moving for Georginio Wijnaldum from Newcastle in 2016 and Andy Robertson from Hull the following year.
And bidding for Southampton’s Armel Bella-Kotchap, who already has two Germany caps, would be another smart move in their succession planning.
The 21-year-old has impressed despite Saints’ struggles, ranking third for possessions won in the defensive third of all Premier League centre-backs per 90 minutes.
Klopp was reportedly interested in signing Bella-Kotchap before the defender’s move to St Mary’s and any fee under £20million could be a risk worth taking on a current international.
Alexis Mac Allister
Alexis Mac Allister, 24, seems likely to be the first through the door as Liverpool’s midfield rebuild gathers pace.
It is obvious why Klopp has fallen for the World Cup winner, who has lit up the Premier League either side of helping Argentina to glory in Qatar.
The midfielder is just as comfortable receiving the ball off the back four in deeper areas as he is linking the play just behind a striker, with his all-round game appealing to the Reds.
He ranks top for shots, 11th for chances created and third for final-third possessions won of all Premier League central midfielders per 90, proving his worth on and off the ball.
Romeo Lavia
Southampton are not short of young talent and Romeo Lavia is another who could be on the move.
The 19-year-old moved south from Manchester City for £10.5m last summer and was reportedly the subject of a bid from Chelsea during the same window.
City inserted a buy-back clause into the sale and it is not difficult to see why.
He ranks 14th for completed dribbles and ninth for middle-third possessions won of all Premier League central midfielders, characteristics that will appeal to Klopp.
Mason Mount
The calibre of clubs that want to sign Mason Mount are testament to his skillset.
Known as a manager’s dream for his abilities off the ball as well as on it, Mount is one of the best pressers in the division, ranking second for tackles and third for final-third possessions won of all attacking midfielders over the last three seasons.
He can play, too, registering 20 goals and 17 assists in that period, roughly two goal contributions every five matches.
Mount’s versatility and reliability means a transfer to Anfield makes sense.
