For the first time in nine years, Liverpool qualified for the group stage of the Champions League and Jurgen Klopp has to be given most of the accolades, for doing so with a thin squad. He has some quality in his first team but the German mastermind is looking to establish a group of players at Liverpool, who will fight for the club and not be looking for a move.
Following Coutinho’s departure, another player who has been linked with an exit is Emre Can. Currently in the final months of his contract at Liverpool, Can has been scouted extensively by Italian giants Juventus, who reportedly had officials watching him in recent games. He will be a free agent come the end of the season and can decide his own future. So how can Liverpool replace him if he quits? Here are three options they should start scouting for quickly:
Kevin Strootman (AS Roma)
The Dutch international was linked with a move to Anfield even in January and is one of the best replacements for Can Liverpool can find. At 27, he is an experienced international, who will take no time to settle in. The Italian outfit could be forced to sell, to comply with FFP rules, which will make Strootman easy to lure out of Rome. His agency has close links with players already at Liverpool and he looks a likely transfer target for the club in the summer.
Adrien Rabiot (PSG)
The 22-year old French international is one of the most highly rated midfielders in his country but is struggling to get into the first team this season. He has just 19 Ligue 1 starts and has already spoken about his interest in playing in England, in an interview late last year. He is a perfect fit for Klopp’s style of play and has been linked with a move to Anfield and Liverpool should go all in for him, if they lose Can in the summer.
Mateo Kovacic (Real Madrid)
Probably the most exciting option in this list, Kovacic is currently a part of the squad at Real Madrid but he has just one league start all season and is desperate for an exit. Manchester United are extensively linked with a move for the 23-year old while Liverpool have also been mentioned. He has potential to turn into one of the best in the world and the Reds are sure to join the race to sign him, if Can joins Juventus at the end of the season.