Despite Liverpool’s clear success over the past two seasons, Jurgen Klopp could do with additional attacking reinforcements to provide cover for the first-choice front three.
However, it has been made abundantly clear that the Reds will not be spending big this summer – a decision which has angered some fans. But the reality is, the Premier League champions are in a position of dominance and are not necessarily splashing the cash in the transfer market at this current time.
Timo Werner has unfollowed RB Leipzig on Twitter after he mocked Liverpool’s loss to Watford with a GIF!
Oh the drama! pic.twitter.com/8xo2juBD9d
— 90 Minutes (@90min_Football) March 3, 2020
One player seemingly destined for a switch to Anfield this summer was Timo Werner, who has repeatedly flirted with the club during interviews. The German had a ‘reasonable’ release clause of £50m, but the Liverpool board ultimately decided it would have been irresponsible to approve the move during the current season.
This left the door open for Chelsea to steal in and secure their signature. It looked as if the German had ticked almost every box for the Reds and would have been an excellent addition to the attack, but it was not to be – much to the chagrin of many fans (at least on social media).
The club then also decided against a move for Norwich’s Jamal Lewis after being asked to pay £20million, and instead brought in Kostas Samikas from Olympiakos for around half that price.
Having put Liverpool out of a move for Werner – a player they were apparently very keen on – and baulked at £20m for Lewis, Watford’s new links to Ismaila Sarr are something special. The Premier League giants are said to be ‘frontrunners’ to sign the 22-year-old. This will see him link up with compatriot and close friend Sadio Mane at Anfield.
Watford are ready to demand more than £40 million for Ismaila Sir. Sarr would be keen on a move to Liverpool, or another top-six side, but a switch to Anfield is particularly attractive as it would allow him to play alongside his hero, Sadio Mane. #lfclive [@LynchStandard] pic.twitter.com/K6VG9JU9Kj
— Anfield Watch (@AnfieldWatch) August 12, 2020
However, despite the Hornets’ relegation from the Premier League, they are standing firm in their valuation of the player and are seeking in excess of £40m for his services. Immediately, it’s difficult because it would be hard to imagine a scenario where the Reds would part with that much money for a player who still needs time to develop and grow – especially when they The decision should be considered that they will not withdraw the same amount. Ideal addition to Werner.
The report suggests that Liverpool could fund the move by offloading a number of players, including Harry Wilson and Xherdan Shaqiri. But the reality is, that won’t change the club’s stance on spending this summer.
There is no denying the lack of depth in Klopp’s attack, but while Werner fits all the necessary criteria at Liverpool, Sarr does not. The ex-Rance winger will bring quality to the attack, but he is not yet the finished article. Also, while he has played as a center forward before, he is most effective when operating as a right winger. He does not bring the versatility that Klopp is said to be looking for.
Sarr is most dangerous when playing at right / Pool / Getty Images
Furthermore, Klopp is looking for reinforcements who can come into the squad and replace Mohamed Salah and Mane when they take part in the Africa Cup of Nations. However, the tournament will likely feature Senegalese internationals as well, which will not be a problem for the boss.
Of course, it’s no fault of their own, but if the Reds are going to spend that kind of money, it would make the most sense to bring in a player who fits all the requirements.
As for Sar himself, on the surface, it’s a no-brainer. He will be playing for one of the best teams in world football under a manager who will only help him improve, while also training and working alongside his ‘hero’ mane.
But at the age of 22, the Watford man needs regular game time to improve his game and take it to the next level. At Liverpool, however, will he be given that chance?
Liverpool squad sees limited game time due to formation of front three / Sebastian Frege / MB Media / Getty Images
No not really.
The Reds’ front three is truly one of the best in world football and the chances of replacing either of them in the starting line-up are slim. This means that squad players such as Shaqiri, Duke Origi and Takumi Minamino have struggled to make much of an impression in 2019/20.
In fact, Origi started just 14 games in all competitions in 2019/20 and Shaqiri managed just three starts. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain started just eight games during that time while working more upfield as a winger. January arrival Minamino has managed just five starts in all competitions since his arrival. It’s worth noting that part of the reason Menamino has struggled to settle at Anfield so far is due to the lack of real opportunities he’s had to adjust to his new team’s style of play.
Minamino has so far struggled to settle in Liverpool/Pool/Getty Images
Certainly, Liverpool would be an attractive move for Saar, after all they are one of the best teams around and challenging for trophies. But that’s not what he needs at this stage in his career. He needed time to settle after making the move to Watford last summer and it could prove detrimental if he makes another big leap next summer.
There’s no denying his talent, but he doesn’t fit the profile of the player the Reds are looking for right now. Should the Hornets ultimately decide to allow Sarr to leave in a cut-price deal of around £20m, it’s a move that would make more sense. But for upwards of £40m, Liverpool shouldn’t be considering a move – at least not for now, anyway.
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