A year ago
If Liverpool fans needed something to get them over the midweek slump, more transfer rumors arrived yesterday. After a few weeks of dragging along with the same few names and little in the way of meaningful updates on them, a brand new candidate has surfaced — complete with a ticking clock to add to the excitement.David Ornstein of The Athletic broke the news, stating that Liverpool is interested in RB Leipzig's Dominik Szoboszlai. Fabrizio Romano then re-shared his own knowledge that the player has a release clause that expires after June 30.It's an intriguing provision that will be reactivated in January, so Liverpool may not rush to make a bid. It may believe that the $77 million (£61 million/€70 million) valuation is too high and want to negotiate. While the club understands that it will be a difficult deal to complete, Szoboszlai is 'high in [the club's] mind.
He ought to be. In truth, Szoboszlai would be part of Liverpool's ideal transfer window, with the club already having signed Alexis Mac Allister. The Hungarian is a good stylistic match for previous priority target Mason Mount, having gone through the Red Bull academy, and appears to be ready for one of Jürgen Klopp's new twin advanced number eight roles.We previously stated that a more specialist defensive presence would be required to form an ideal Liverpool transfer window. Klopp, on the other hand, would be receiving a number eight who is willing to do more than his fair share of the dirty work in Szoboszlai. Similarly, Mac Allister is no stranger to that side of the game, having previously played as a number six. They would provide plenty of security in front of Fabinho, allowing the Reds to postpone a decision in that part of the field for at least another season.Even with two such astute signings, Liverpool should be able to afford a third new midfielder. With Szoboszlai and Mac Allister already in the lineup, the next one through the door may come in with less pressure and a greater emphasis on potential. That's where the club's more well-known names come into play, with Khéphren Thuram, Gabri Veiga, and Ryan Gravenberch among those chosen.If it is feasible to lure the latter away from Bayern Munich, it would be ideal. Gravenberch has always seemed like the ideal 'third addition' midfielder: excellent potential with a bit more risk. After all, he hasn't played much this season. At the same time, he earned his wonderkid status at Ajax, and Klopp has the ability to develop him into something special.
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If Fichajes' estimated price of $28 million (£22 million/€25 million) is even remotely realistic, Liverpool should make a strong bid. The actual number would almost certainly be more if a deal could be reached, considering Bayern Munich only paid slightly less than that to sign him last summer, although FSG would not have to break the bank. The far greater obstacle is Bavaria's potential unwillingness to let him go.
Finally, Liverpool cannot afford to ignore the defense, and the ideal summer would see the club move ahead of a possible problem by signing a young new center-back with plenty of promise. Micky van de Ven is a frequently mentioned candidate, and he appears to suit the bill, yet he appears to have opposition from Spurs. According to Goal, if the Reds win that race, they will have to pay Wolfsburg about $33 million (£26 million/€30 million).These three transactions would cost an additional $138 million (£109 million/€126 million) on top of what has already been spent on Mac Allister. FSG is clearly in the midst of a crucial transfer window, especially with no major outgoings predicted, but there is an acknowledgment that a rebuild is required. Genuine quality cannot be obtained at a low price.
It remains to be seen how far Liverpool is willing to go. However, with the addition of this latest Szoboszlai link, the ideal transfer timeframe is becoming evident.These three transactions would cost an additional $138 million (£109 million/€126 million) on top of what has already been spent on Mac Allister. FSG is clearly in the midst of a crucial transfer window, especially with no major outgoings predicted, but there is an acknowledgment that a rebuild is required.
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