Which Signings Should Jurgen Klopp And Liverpool Target This Summer?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 23: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Jurgen Klopp manager of Liverpool ... [+] during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Crystal Palace at Anfield on May 23, 2021 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images) Liverpool FC via Getty Images  After the glory of the 2019/20 season, perhaps it was always likely that Liverpool would subsequently suffer an emotional drop-off. Injuries were undoubtedly a factor in the Reds limp defence of their Premier League title last term, but there was also a limpness to many of their performances that surely caused Jurgen Klopp concern. This summer presents Liverpool with a chance to reset ahead of the 2021/22 campaign, when must better will be expected of them. Georginio Wijnaldums departure to Paris Saint-Germain has surely placed a new central midfielder on Liverpools transfer shortlist for the summer. The Dutch was an often overlooked member of Klopps team, but the German coach always appreciated what he offered. It might be in his absence that Wijnaldums contribution is fully recognised. BUDAPEST, HUNGARY - JUNE 27: Georginio Wijnaldum of Netherlands beats Patrik Schick of Czech ... [+] Republic during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Round of 16 match between Netherlands and Czech Republic at Puskas Arena on June 27, 2021 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Alex Livesey - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images) UEFA via Getty Images  Finding the right midfielder to replace Wijnaldum wont be easy. The 30-year-old was predominantly used by Klopp to provide structure in the centre of the pitch, with his energy and pitch coverage key for Liverpool, but he was also capable of driving the ball forward when required. Renato Sanches would, in many ways, fit the bill after an impressive Ligue 1 season for Lille and Euro 2020 campaign for Portugal. The 23-year-old is finally fulfilling the potential demonstrated earlier in his career and has the physical and technical attributes to play for a team at the top of the European game, like Liverpool. The Reds have been linked with a number of central defenders to combat the injuries that plagued them at the back last season. RB Leipzigs Ibrahima Konate is reportedly on Liverpools radar with the Frenchman already proven at the top level of the German game. His skill set would make him a good fit for Klopps side. ISTANBUL, TURKEY - DECEMBER 02: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Ibrahima Konat of RB Leipzig controls the ball ... [+] during the UEFA Champions League Group H stage match between Istanbul Basaksehir and RB Leipzig at Basaksehir Fatih Terim Stadyumu on December 2, 2020 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/DeFodi Images via Getty Images) Getty Images  Meanwhile, many still harbour the belief Liverpool could use a more orthodox number nine to give them a different dimension in attack. Last summer saw the Anfield club target Timo Werner only for the German international to join Chelsea instead. Diogo Jota arrived from Wolves, and made an instant impact, but he isnt a true penalty box poacher. Klopp might argue Roberto Firmino gives him what he needs in the final third, facilitating the likes of Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah, but others point out Liverpool have no Plan B in an attacking sense. When their first choice front three is nullified, they have dont have many options to change things. Last season, it was impossible to avoid the sense that this Liverpool group is coming towards the end of a cycle. Wijnaldum is gone and Salah continues to face questions on his future as contract talks stall. A rebuild is starting to appear on the horizon. Until then, though, Klopp must find ways to get more out of the squad he already has. One or two smart additions in the transfer market would help him do that.