Liverpool have been linked with a move for veteran German striker Max Kruse, who will available on a free transfer after his contract with Werder Bremen expires this summer.
The Reds manager Jürgen Klopp will be gunning to win the Premier League title next season after narrowly missing out on it in the 2018-19 season, and he could begin with signing a few players who can provide competition to the players who he has at the club currently.
Kruse came through the ranks at Bremen, before playing for St. Pauli, Freiburg, and Borussia Mönchengladbach before returning to Bremen, where he played three seasons. Kruse was the captain of Bremen in his final season at the club.
According to the Sunday Express, cited by the Daily Star, the striker is not only wanted by Klopp’s Liverpool, but also by other top clubs like Bayern Munich, Fenerbahce, and Roma.
Kruse has also represented Germany 14 times since making his debut in 2013, scoring 4 goals for the national team.
Why signing Kruse would be a shrewd move by Klopp
Liverpool’s front three of Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah, and Sadio Mane were once again in spectacular form in the 2018-19 season, scoring 69 goals between the three of them in all competitions. Their strong attacking play drove Liverpool to the top end of the league table, while also winning them the Champions League.
While the trio have been supremely impressive for the Reds, Liverpool’s strikers on the bench haven’t been very effective.
Divock Origi has popped up with key goals, even scoring in the Champions League final, but he hasn’t been consistent enough, while Daniel Sturridge looks set to leave for first-team football, having scored just 4 goals in his 27 appearances for the club.
This means that Klopp needs to add some firepower to bring on to change games or maybe give one of his front three a rest.
Kruse could be a useful signing, considering he will come in on a free transfer, while he has a lot of experience in top-flight football as well.
The versatile player can play as a striker, while also playing as a second striker or attacking midfielder.
The German can hold on to the ball well, while he is also a good crosser and passer of the ball. In the 2018-19 season, Kruse scored 12 and assisted 9 times in all competitions for Bremen.
