Liverpool’s exciting new XI with Jacquet and Geertruida as three players leave | Football | Sport
Liverpool could have a very different team next season with the Reds expected to be active in the transfer market between now and then. They look set to complete the signing of Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet on deadline day, having agreed to pay a transfer fee of around £60million. Jacquet will officially move to Anfield in the summer, meaning he will be available next season.
A number of other high-profile players have been linked with Liverpool, who could also see a couple of key players depart. Mohamed Salah continues to be linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, while Ibrahima Konate is approaching the end of his contract and may leave on a free transfer. Alexis Mac Allister, meanwhile, has struggled this season and could be moved on in the summer if Liverpool can find a suitable replacement.
Express Sport takes a look at how the Reds could line up next season if everything goes to plan…
Goalkeeper – Alisson
There will be no sweeping changes between the sticks with Alisson Becker expected to retain his starting spot for at least another season. Giorgi Mamardashvili will remain on hand to deputise for the Brazilian and play in domestic cup competitions.
Defence – Geertruida, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez
Liverpool may well decide to sign a new right-back in the summer, with Jeremie Frimpong being used as more of a right-winger. He is also prone to injuries, as is Conor Bradley, which suggests the Reds could benefit from strengthening with an extra body.
They explored a late January move for Lutsharel Geertruida, who is currently on loan at Sunderland from RB Leipzig, but a deal couldn’t be struck and Liverpool walked away from negotiations. It could be one to revisit in the summer.
Jacquet is likely to come into the side if Konate leaves, playing alongside Virgil van Dijk and Milos Kerkez to complete the back four.
Midfield – Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Wirtz
It will be much of the same in the middle of the park, with Ryan Gravenberch keeping his place as the anchor in front of the defence.
The young Dutchman has dropped off slightly since last season but he’ll be a hugely important player for the Reds if he can recapture his form.
Dominik Szoboszlai will be tasked with pulling the strings and leading the transition from defence to attack, as well as taking set-pieces.
He’ll play just behind Florian Wirtz, who is finally coming good and will be even better next season with a year of Premier League experience under his belt.
Attack – Ekitike, Diomande, Isak
Liverpool could strike fear into the hearts of Premier League defences next season if they manage to complete the signing of RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande.
He’s emerged as one of the Bundesliga’s brightest sparks and is thought to be attracting no shortage of Premier League interest. Liverpool are reportedly preparing to battle the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal for his signature.
Diomande’s arrival would give the Anfield giants a formidable front three that would also consist of Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak.
He may not be the only attacking addition made by the Reds between now and next season, with Federico Chiesa also tipped to leave the club alongside Salah in the summer.
