Summer Transfer Rumours 2021: Liverpool

With the European Championships drawing to a close, thoughts will soon be returning to the domestic game, and fans will be scouring the newspapers, sports websites, and the football betting at Betfair to see who their team are linked with signing. Nothing excites supporters like a new arrival, and there’s bound to be plenty of movement between now and the start of the Premier League season on August 13th.

For Liverpool, it’s a big transfer window, as they’ll be seeking to bolster their squad in the hopes of regaining the Premier League title, after their defence fell limply short last season. Jürgen Klopp will be determined to put things right, and having already secured the services of former RB Leipzig defender Ibrahima Konaté, there are a few players in midfield and attack who have been linked with a move to Anfield. Let’s take a look at a few of them.

Saúl Ñíguez

Following the departure of Georginio Wijnaldum at the end of last season, Liverpool are likely to need another midfielder to come into the fold, and Atlético Madrid’s Saúl Ñíguez has been touted as a potential addition. The Spaniard would be available for around £35 million should Liverpool choose to pursue his signature, and it’s understood that Atlético coach Diego Simeone would be willing to let him go for the right price.

Saúl would bring similar qualities to the midfield as Wijnaldum — comfortable with the ball at his feet, able to dictate the tempo of the game, but also with the ability to get forward and support the forward players when needed. 

Renato Sanches

Another midfielder linked with a move to Anfield is Renato Sanches. The Portuguese player had a torrid spell in the Premier League with Swansea City as a youngster, but he has since matured greatly and there are a number of clubs reportedly eyeing his signature. Now 23, Sanches played a key role in Lille’s title success in France last season, and there’s no doubt that he would be better placed now to handle a move to England.

He is a fast, energetic player, with the ability to carry the ball — traits that Klopp values. You could imagine him really excelling under the German coach, but it remains unclear whether Liverpool will pursue a move.

Adama Traoré

There’s no doubt that Adama Traoré is one of the most unique players in world football. Blessed with searing pace and extreme strength, he has the ability to terrorise defenders with his direct style. The only question mark is his end product, which often lets him down, but in a quality setup like Liverpool’s he could well flourish, and the Reds have been linked with a move for the Spanish international.

It’s likely that Liverpool’s valuation of the 25-year-old would not match that of his current club Wolves, but he’s another player you could imagine Klopp getting the best out of.

Kylian Mbappé

While this one is perhaps something of a pipe dream, the rumours linking Kylian Mbappé with Liverpool are still circulating, and the Frenchman’s future at Paris Saint-Germain remains unclear. If the Reds were to pursue a deal, it’s likely they would need to splash the cash, even with Mbappé’s contract expiring next year, and that may not be in keeping with the club’s transfer policy.

However, Mbappé is a rare, once in a generation talent, and Liverpool have proved in the past with the signings of Alisson and Virgil van Dijk that they are not afraid to spend big on the right player. 

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