We all know that Brendan Rodgers loves nothing more than to sign a young player full of potential. With than in mind, we should expect our boss to have an eye on this summer’s European Under-21 Championship.
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Liverpool transfer news
The tournament, which takes place in the Czech Republic later this month, already has two Liverpool players on show – Germany’s Emre Can and Portugal’s Tiago Ilori – so perhaps Rodgers will be able to add a third by taking a look at this shortlist we’ve taken the liberty of drawing up.
Here are eight players that we’d happily welcome to Anfield this summer:
Czech Republic – Tomas Kalas (Chelsea)
Almost the entire Czech squad are based in their home nation. One of the few exceptions is Chelsea right-back Tomas Kalas. The 22-year-old’s chances have been few and far between at Stamford Bridge but he impressed during a loan spell at Championship Middlesbrough earlier this year. While he wouldn’t be first choice for us he’d provide cover in a number of defensive positions – particularly on the right, where we’re very short right now.
Denmark – Jannik Vestergaard (Werder Bremen)
The 22-year-old is already a regular in the Bundesliga having played more than 70 league games for Hoffenheim before making the switch to Bremen last summer. A towering central defender, standing at more than 6 ft 6, he would be a useful addition to our options at the back. Kolo Toure’s game-time is going to be limited despite his new contract and Vestergaard could replace him as our fourth choice centre-back for the new season.
Germany – Kevin Volland (1899 Hoffenheim)
Now we’re getting into the good stuff – no more back-up defenders – this guy would be number one, as well as the perfect replacement for the wantaway Raheem Sterling. This versatile forward has scored 25 goals in just over 100 games for his club side, despite being only 22, while he added another 20 during a productive loan spell with 1860 Munich. He’s already won three caps for the German first-team and looks certain to be a big name of the future.
Serbia – Milos Jojic (Borussia Dortmund)
The midfielder burst on to the scene with Dortmund last season, scoring within 17 seconds on his debut to break a club record. He finished the 2013-14 season with four goals from 15 appearances. Unfortunately, he’s only played once since November due to injury. His presence has been sorely missed in a difficult season for Dortmund and with the uncertainty surrounding the club, following the departure of Jurgen Klopp, we could take advantage.
England – Will Hughes (Derby County)
It would be easy to talk about Danny Ings or Saido Berahino but we thought we’d focus instead on the forgotten Liverpool transfer target. This young player has been consistently excellent for Derby and appears to have a far better attitude than some of his England teammates. With County having missed out on promotion last season the time has surely come for him to make the move up into the Premier League on his own, even if he’s loaned back.
Italy – Domenico Berardi (Juventus)
Something of a forgotten man in Turin, having actually never played for Juventus. He’s scored an incredibly impressive 42 goals during three seasons with Sassuolo, who finished twelfth in Serie A this year, and will surely be desperate to try his hand at European football. Liverpool need a striker, while the Champions League finalists are well stocked in that department. His goals would be a most welcome addition to our current squad.
Portugal – William Carvalho (Sporting Lisbon)
He was one of the major targets for a number of Premier League clubs last summer, at least according to the Daily Mail. You feel that he to move to England at some stage to allow his career to move to the next level and the Reds would be foolish not to be involved in the discussion for his signature. A combative defensive midfielder, he’s unlikely anything we currently have at our disposal and could compliment the likes of James Milner nicely.
Sweden – Oscar Hiljemark (PSV Eindhoven)
The central midfielder has established himself as a regular in the PSV side over the last few months and has now featured 49 times in the league. Having already won six caps for the Swedish first-team, the 22-year-old looks capable of making a step-up in the near future, even if he’d have to be content with a back-up role during the start of his potential Liverpool career. He was part of the Eindoven side that won the league earlier this year.
