Liverpool’s pre-season since the start of their tour to The United States has been anything but impressive. They have now lost three games and drawn one, after the humiliation against Napoli but Jurgen Klopp is adamant that Liverpool FC will not go into panic mode and make big signings any time soon.
Speaking to the media recently, Klopp claimed that the club does not live in ‘fantasy land’ and that they are not expected to spend big this summer.
“This year is not the end of Liverpool FC,” said Klopp. “Next year there will be another transfer window. This team is really good and we have invested a lot in it. Now we have to work with that,” he added.
But The Reds still have glaring issues in the squad that need to be addressed and here are three cheap deals they should look to get over the line before the start of the next season.
Ryan Sessegnon (Fulham)
The exciting youngster failed to make a real impression in the Premier League last season, after attracting interest from the biggest clubs in the country last summer. He was valued at £50m a year ago but Sessegnon has just a year left on his current deal and will play in the Championship this season, which could see him up for grabs on the cheap this summer. His ability to play left-back and as a winger solves two issues in the squad at Anfield and at his age, he will be ready to wait for his chances on the sidelines, making him perfect for Liverpool. Tottenham Hotspur are keeping tabs on the 19-year old, who is currently nursing an injury, so The Reds need to act fast and smart if they are to sign the youngster this summer.
Hakim Ziyech (Ajax)
The Moroccan international was expected to attract interest from some of the biggest clubs in Europe after his exploits in the Champions League last season. But Ziyech remains an Ajax player and has recently revealed that he rejected a chance to join Spanish giants Sevilla this summer. However, he continues to be linked with a move to the Premier League with Arsenal and Liverpool showing an interest. He is a creative playmaker, just the kind Liverpool fans have been desperate for and with a release clause of just £25m, he is a cheap alternative Liverpool should sign this summer.
Franck Ribery
Arguably one of the most feared wingers in Europe for a while now, Ribery has turned 36 and is without a club at the moment. He did not sign a contract extension with German giants Bayern Munich and is now a free agent and could be a game-changer for The Reds. Jurgen Klopp is a long-term admirer of the French winger and his experience at the highest level will give Liverpool not just an impressive backup for first-team stars but also a calm head in the dressing room, which could be pretty important for the squad. As a free agent, Ribery is certainly a risk worth taking for Klopp.