It’s a bit hard to predict Liverpool’s summer transfer plans after their Champions League win, and the season they had in the Premier League.
The Reds strengthened well last summer as the duo of Fabinho and Alisson played key roles for the club.
Adding more freshness to their squad must be on Jurgen Klopp’s summer agenda, though, as Manchester City – Liverpool’s rivals for the Premier League title – still have a better squad than the Reds.
One player who has been making the headlines after the season ended is Hakim Ziyech. The Moroccan had a scintillating campaign with Ajax as he helped them to the Eredivisie title, and played a key role in their run to the Champions League semi-final.
Hakim Ziyech’s release clause attracting interest
Last month, Ajax chief Marc Overmars had revealed that Ziyech will leave the club should he get an offer from a big European club, “That [a move] will come by itself. When that happens, everyone will automatically hear it.”
The Mirror had previously reported that Liverpool are among many clubs keeping tabs on the midfielder who has a meagre £25 million release clause. Fresh reports indicate Ajax will sell him for somewhere around £30 million.
Should Liverpool make a move for Ziyech?
Nabil Fekir is one player who has re-surfaced once again and has been linked with the Reds, but it’s unlikely Liverpool will make a move for the Frenchman after what transpired last summer.
Ziyech, on the other hand, seems like a very interesting option for the Champions League winners. Not only is he 26 and has his peak years ahead of him, Ziyech seems like a player who has all the ingredients to fit in well at the club and Klopp’s blueprint.
Part of an exciting Dutch and Moroccan team as well, Ziyech is known for his intricate movements and ability to play short passes with his team-mates, something Klopp expects his players to do in the transitional phases of the game and while on the ball.
The Reds are often deadly on the break, and show last season that they can break down defences who sit deep as well, but expect next season to get tougher as teams have a better idea of how they play.
If Ziyech can replicate the link-up play that he managed at Ajax, he would be an exciting addition to Liverpool.
Not only is he good at creating chances and goals, but he is no slouch when it comes to scoring as he managed 19 goals in all competitions.
For a fee of £30 million, he Ziyech would add a lot more technical ability and potency to the Liverpool midfield, without affecting the work ethic as he is a pretty hard worker himself. So, the Reds should make an attempt to sign him up this summer.
Stats via Whoscored
Perfect match in my opiniom.