There’s been a lot of chatter about Liverpool potentially losing three key players on free transfers this summer. But could the Reds themselves delve into the free agent market when the season wraps up?
As it stands, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah have yet to ink new contracts with the club. It’s a situation that Arne Slot would undoubtedly prefer to sort out sooner rather than later.
However, Liverpool will also be making its own summer plans. After sporting director Richard Hughes mentioned last year about the club aiming to seize opportunities, they might just keep an eye on players whose contracts are due to expire in the upcoming months.
And judging by the list provided by TransferMarkt, there are plenty of potential steals.
Jonathan David
Jonathan David has long been rumored to be heading to one of Europe’s top football clubs. This summer, he’ll likely have his choice of destinations.
The Canadian international has been turning heads for years at Lille, and this season he’s shown he can deliver on the biggest stage in the Champions League too. He’s netted 23 goals across all competitions, with nine of those coming in Europe.
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One of these goals was scored at Anfield when the Reds triumphed over Lille in the league phase. Although his team were under pressure for much of the match, there were moments when the forward sprung into action and displayed his explosive talent.
With Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz hitting a rough patch recently, coupled with the uncertainty surrounding Salah’s situation, it’s likely that Liverpool will be eyeing several forward additions this summer. Jonathan David seems to fit the bill as a potential option.
Leroy Sane
Liverpool is no stranger to Leroy Sane. The German international was a regular feature for Manchester City during its title clashes with the Reds, scoring four times against Jurgen Klopp’s side in City colours.
It came as a surprise when City approved his transfer to Bayern Munich in 2020, and since then, Sane’s time in Bavaria has been marked by highs and lows. However, it appears almost certain that his stint at the club will conclude this summer.
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Sane still possesses quality. Despite being a rotation option for manager Vincent Kompany this season, he has managed to score seven goals and provide four assists in the Bundesliga.
As a left-footed player who often cuts in from the right flank, he could potentially offer an alternative to Salah on the same wing. However, considering he’s now 29, it would be surprising if the Reds agreed to the hefty wages Sane would likely command in the free market.
Jonathan Tah
Liverpool might also consider bolstering its center-back options, particularly if Van Dijk were to depart. While no one can truly match the Dutchman, Jonathan Tah could prove to be a solid alternative.
The German international has been a reliable force in the Bundesliga, delivering stellar performances last season as Bayer Leverkusen secured a league and cup double. While Leverkusen hasn’t reached the same level this year, Tah has remained a steady presence at the core of its defence.
Under the guidance of head coach Xabi Alonso, the 29-year-old has honed his skills in possession, an attribute that would undoubtedly appeal to Slot when considering defensive recruits. Tah’s physical prowess and defensive acumen could potentially make him a perfect fit for the Premier League.
Angel Gomes
Last summer, Liverpool came close to securing a major signing in Martin Zubimendi. Therefore, it’s likely that another player in that position will be on Hughes’ radar in the upcoming months.
With rumors now suggesting that Zubimendi is set for a move to Arsenal, Liverpool may need to consider alternatives to the Real Sociedad playmaker. One potential candidate could be Angel Gomes, who appears poised to follow David out of Lille.
Granted, Gomes leans more towards the attacking side than Zubimendi. However, the 24-year-old boasts excellent technical skills and, despite needing to improve defensively, he has managed to control many matches in Ligue 1 this season from a deeper midfield position.
Now a full England international, he would be a tempting prospect for several Premier League clubs. As a former Manchester United academy star, Liverpool acquiring him on a free transfer would certainly ruffle feathers at Old Trafford.
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can read the original story in the Liverpool ECHO by clicking here.
