Liverpool FC

How Liverpool could line up after £130m triple deal to transform midfield

Liverpool’s squad for the upcoming campaign could soon start to take shape as transfer plans continue

Dominik Szoboszlai of RB Leipzig celebrates after scoring

Dominik Szoboszlai of RB Leipzig celebrates after scoring

 

Liverpool will soon be reporting back for pre-season as they prepare to attack a new season.

 

The Reds will be eager to right the wrongs of last campaign, which ended without any trophies being claimed and the team out of the Champions League places.

Getting back to being a side capable of competing for the biggest prizes will require Liverpool to add to their armoury, a process already started by the arrival of Alexis Mac Allister.

Midfield is the key area in need of attention, particularly having bid farewell to three players in this position this summer, and plenty of names have been mentioned as possible targets for Jurgen Klopp. Below, we have taken a speculative look at how the Reds could be lining up by the time the new Premier League season begins in August (based on a 3-2-2-3 formation).

Alisson

There is no disputing Alisson Becker will be starting between the sticks for the Reds next season after cementing his status as one of the greatest goalkeepers in the world. The Brazilian was, unsurprisingly, named Liverpool’s Player of the Season for 2022/23, having been one of the few individuals to maintain a level of consistency.

 

Micky van de Ven

It remains to be seen what happens as regards Liverpool’s formation for next year, though it is anticipated Klopp could stick to the system which brought success in the latter stages of last term.

Andy Robertson could continue to slot in as a left-sided centre-back, though the Reds could do with further options in this department. Wolfsburg defender Micky van de Ven has been linked with a move to Anfield and may fancy his chances of developing a strong connection with fellow Dutchman, Virgil van Dijk.

It has been €30m (£26m) is the asking price that has been set by his Bundesliga club.

 

Virgil van Dijk

Liverpool’s strongest and most consistent defender, despite some doubting his ability last season. Van Dijk will be a go-to figure once again for the club in 2023/24 and should be backed to return to the heights witnessed during the remarkable quadruple challenge.

 

Ibrahima Konate

The Frenchman has gradually developed into a key player for Klopp, having been brought to Anfield two years ago. Van Dijk’s long-term successor, Konate is learning from the best in the business but still has some way to go to reach the level of the Reds’ No.4.

 

Khephren Thuram

A player of interest to Liverpool, Thuram is currently in action for France at the under-21s European Championships alongside Manu Kone – another individual being heavily linked with an Anfield switch. Nice are said to be seeking £35m for the 22-year-old, who would bring some much-needed physically to the midfield.

 

Trent Alexander-Arnold

Shining in his inverted full-back role in recent months, it would be a major surprise to see Klopp abandon this approach. The West Derby-born star will rely on cover from the likes of Konate and Van Dijk at times, though this is a risk worth taking due to his unrivalled attacking output.

 

Dominik Szoboszlai

Liverpool are interested in the 22-year-old Hungarian, who has demonstrated just what a threat he can be during his two-year stay with RB Leipzig. The towering midfielder is no stranger to popping up with a goal from distance and has also showcased his ability from set-piece situations. It is understood Szoboszlai has a £60m release clause, which is reportedly set to expire on June 30.

 

Alexis Mac Allister

The Argentina international is almost guaranteed to be in the Reds’ starting eleven for Premier League fixtures after his £35m arrival, offering an instant upgrade on players currently available to Klopp. Mac Allister’s versatility makes him an undoubted asset, though the left-sided midfield role occupied by Curtis Jones last term seems to be the natural fit.

 

Luis Diaz

Missed so much while sidelined through injury, Liverpool will be hoping the Colombian winger can remain fit for the entirety of next year. Diaz’s pace and dribbling skills make him a nightmare for defenders and it very much feels like the best is still to come from the former Porto man.

 

Cody Gakpo

Gakpo enjoyed a seamless transition to life at Liverpool after leaving PSV Eindhoven during the January transfer window and will be looking to maintain his impressive start, albeit at the expense of Darwin Nunez.

Nunez still has work to do in order to justify leading the line for the Reds on a weekly basis, with this a responsibility Gakpo should be given for the time being at least

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