Many Liverpool fans were disappointed when the Echo rubbished reports coming out of Germany that Jurgen Klopp had plans to go big for Timo Werner.
After all, sticking with Danny Ings and Dominic Solanke as backup to Roberto Firmino is a much less glamorous, exciting option than breaking our transfer record for Joachim Low’s starting centre-forward.
SEE MORE:
Pearce debunks widespread rumour Liverpool are in talks over £87.5m transfer
But according to Ian Doyle, respected journalist, Liverpool do want an offensive player – just not a traditional central striker – which Werner definitely is.
“Simply, you can’t replace Firmino. So Liverpool aren’t even going to try,” he writes.
“This, then, could all be a matter of semantics – and what is truly considered a striker under Klopp…
“A striker in the old-fashioned sense isn’t on Klopp’s shopping list in the coming transfer window, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be in the market for another forward to complement Mane, Salah, Firmino and the rest, while also offering cover across the forward line…
“Yes, Liverpool won’t be signing a striker this summer.
“But a forward? That’s another matter entirely.”
Interesting…
So an attacker who can slot into our frontline in various positions makes more sense to Klopp.
To be fair, however attractive an option Werner is on the face of it, he can only really play in Firmino’s position. Why spend £90m on a player whose sole role is occupied by arguably our most important performer…?
If Firmino, Mo Salah and Sadio Mane are guaranteed starters long-term, Liverpool need to acquire a versatile, young, quick player who can jump in and out of the XI in various positions.
Someone like, Nabil Fekir, for example. He can play no.10, can cut in from the flank or play as an attacking no.8, much like Coutinho did before his exit.
We don’t know if the Frenchman is on our shortlist, but someone like him, Christian Pulisic (Borussia Dortmund’s impressive youngster) or perhaps even Mario Gotze could suffice?
Either way, we’re sure plans are already drawn up and contact is being made all over Europe and maybe even beyond.