Liverpool had a good start to the transfer window as they signed Brazilian midfielder Fabinho from Monaco and Naby Keita will be joining them at the end of the month as well.
Despite agreeing a fee with Lyon and personal terms with Nabil Fekir, the move seems to have collapsed at the 11th hour. As a result, Klopp and Liverpool sporting director Michael Edwards are keen to look for alternatives in the market.
Watford’s wide player, Richarlison is being seen as a surprise candidate to replace Fekir. The Brazilian had a brilliant start to life in the Premier League but his form petered out as the season progresses. Klopp could be the man to bring back the spark and effectiveness he showed in the attacking positions last campaign with Watford, registering 5 goals and 4 assists.
Where would Richarlison fit in at Liverpool?
Predominantly a wide player, Richarlison made a majority of his appearances on the left wing whilst also being deployed on the right sparsely at times. With that in mind, it is difficult to find a way into Liverpool’s front three consisting of Mane, Salah and Firmino.
Richarlison could be a good option to provide the much need cover for the front three given that Liverpool are short of quality when it comes to squad depth.
Right move for Richarlison?
With many newcomers finding life difficult in their first season in the Premier League, Richarlison seems to flourish in the high tempo played across the country. However, at a tender age of 21, a move to Liverpool might not be the best option given that he would have to be content with a role in the bench.
He is currently at a club which presented him with 32 starts in the League to go with 6 substitute appearances. For a youngster looking to develop, that sort of game time would be difficult to acquire at Anfield.
Alternative for Fekir?
By no means could Richarlison be an alternative to Nabil Fekir given that they are two extremely different players. The Brazilian youngster can only be viewed as a good backup option for the front-men for Liverpool considering the fact that Liverpool will have another hectic schedule next season.
Liverpool might have to look at other candidates if at all they want an alternative to Richarlison. However, the Watford star is tied to the club until 2022, and it is just the bookmakers who have hinted that Richarlison could end up at Anfield. It remains to be seen whether Liverpool show actual interest to land the Brazilian winger.