The Liverpool Echo conducted a poll recently in which they asked a number of fans to select which player they’d most like us to sign this summer…
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Below are the twenty most common names selected. Most of them are naturally very ambitious, but there’s certainly a real possibility we could secure one or two of these.
We’ve added our own thoughts as to the likelihood of these transfers, and how suitable a Liverpool player they’d be should we complete a signing…
Could we snare any of these, Reds?
1) Gonzalo Higuain – Napoli
The Metro reckon Higuain is on the verge of an Arsenal move, which is a shame if true – because he’d be welcomed with open arms at Anfield. He’s clinical, proven and experienced – and in the prime of his striking career.
2) Nathaniel Clyne – Southampton
Clyne’s signing is definitely a high possibility. We need a right-back, and he’d surely jump at the chance of moving to a bigger club. The Manchester Evening News claim United are also interested, though.
3) Alexandre Lacazette – Lyon
The French striker was mentioned by 40% of voters, making him the fans’ most wanted target. Lacazette would be a jaw-dropping signing, as his goals in 2014/15 proves, but if he’s leaving Lyon, it’ll be for Champions League football, his club president confirmed (via Metro).
4) Karim Benzema – Real Madrid
A pure impossibility. Without Champions League football, there’s now way the Frenchman would sign.
5) Theo Walcott – Arsenal
We’d actually be delighted with Walcott signing. He still hasn’t extended his Arsenal deal which has one year to run, and can play either wide or as a central striker – and most importantly – has the devastating pace our attack thrives off. Regularly linked as part of a Raheem Sterling swap deal (via Daily Star).
6) Luciano Vietto – Villarreal
The talented Argentine is close to Atletico Madrid (via IBTimes), who are prepared to meet his release clause. He’s tricky, but there’d be doubts over his immediate adaption to English football.
7) Christian Benteke – Aston Villa
The powerhouse doesn’t suit our style of football, because his strengths are aerial and he doesn’t drift wide. For the mooted £32.5m release clause (via Sky Sports) we should stay well clear.
8) Carlos Tevez – Juventus
Tevez would be a stunning signing, but like Vietto, is closer to an Atletico Madrid switch (via BBC Sport).
9) Mateo Kovacic – Inter Milan
The young Croatian has emerged as our no.1 central midfield target upon Gerrard’s departure. He’s 21, insanely talented and available for the right price… The Metro reckon we’re closing in.
10) Edinson Cavani – PSG
The Uruguayan forward is one of the best in the business, but has been more heavily linked to Man United who need to replace Falcao (via Metro).
11) Carlos Bacca – Sevilla
The first of two Colombian forwards on the list, Bacca lit up Europe with Sevilla in 2014/15, helping them secure a second consecutive Europa League. He bags goals for fun in Spain, but we’re not sure this would translate in England – as he’s quite static.
12) Geoffrey Kondogbia – AS Monaco
Kondogbia would be a great signing. He’s immensely powerful, and provides more discipline than Kovacic would in the centre. Monaco boss Jardim reckons Kondogbia could be sold (via Daily Star), but the report thinks Arsenal are frontrunners. Let’s hope they focus on Morgan Schneiderlin and we can snare his more talented international compatriot.
13) Marco Reus – Borussia Dortmund
Just a total non-starter, sadly. As much as we’d love the German to sign for Liverpool.
14) Petr Cech – Chelsea
Cech is Arsenal bound, say Sky Sports, seemingly like a few others on this list. He’d be a good signing in terms of his experience and calibre, but we don’t need to replace Simon Mignolet – only secure him a solid backup.
15) Miralem Pjanic – AS Roma
The Roma man is mercurial, can pass brilliantly from deep, and would provide guile to any midfield. He was last linked in April by the Metro, with a £21.8m deal suggested. For that many, he’d be worth the risk – as we haven’t seen a central midfielder of his ilk since Xabi Alonso.
16) Jackson Martinez – FC Porto
Martinez’s agent said his client will be leaving Porto this week, reports the Daily Mail. He’ll cost £25.5m, but it looks like he’s joining Arsenal. At 28, having never played in a top league, his signing would be a risk. But still exciting due to his European record.
17) Pedro – Barcelona
This one’s another no-go, because he’s just extended his Barcelona deal (via FC Barcelona).
18) Isco – Real Madrid
Sadly, the most unrealistic option on this list. There’s no way Real Madrid are parting with the breathtaking Spanish playmaker, who’s already one of the best in the world at his position. Anyway – we’ve got Coutinho!
19) Yevhen Konoplyanka – Dnipro
Famously almost joined back in January 2014, Konoplyanka is out of contract – and according to the Daily Mail – we’re considering battling Stoke City for his signature. He’s decent, but not a world-class player, and will provide better squad depth rather than anything more exciting.
20) Mauro Icardi – Inter Milan
Icardi comes with baggage. He’s had countless off the field problems, but he’s young and talented enough to overcome them… The Argentine scores goals for Inter, and if we could somehow scoop Kovacic and Icardi we’d be over the moon.
