Liverpool have been tipped to pip Arsenal to the signing of Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz next summer, with reports suggesting the midfielder could net his current employers a whopping £80million in exchange for his services. Gunners transfer chief Edu loves the 25-year-old and has already had three bids for him turned down, with Liverpool in the frame to benefit from Arsenal’s failure to get a deal over the line. And Express Sport takes a look at how Jurgen Klopp could line his team up if the Reds do manage to prise the Brazil international away from Villa Park.
Keeper – Alisson
Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson is currently out of action after injuring his hamstring against Manchester City at the end of last month. Caoimhin Kelleher has filled in for the last two matches but conceded a couple of soft goals as the Reds defeated Fulham on Sunday. As soon as Alisson returns to fitness, he’ll be back between the posts.
Defence – Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Konate, Robertson
There have been calls for Trent Alexander-Arnold to play in midfield and concentrate his efforts on unleashing his attacking flair. But the Reds have a whole host of midfielders at their disposal after signing four in the summer. And Luiz’s arrival would probably result in Alexander-Arnold staying put at right-back.
Andy Robertson is another player who is currently missing through injury. But Klopp will thrust the Scotland left-back straight back into the side when he’s fit and ready. Meanwhile, Ibrahima Konate will fancy his chances of forming a solid partnership with Virgil van Dijk at the heart of the backline after a disrupted start to the campaign.
Midfield – Szoboszlai, Luiz, Mac Allister
If Luiz does arrive at Anfield, he would probably take the place on either Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister or Ryan Gravenberch. Szoboszlai has begun life at Anfield in incredible form and has revolutionised Klopp’s midfield with his powerful running and dominance in the centre of the pitch. And Mac Allister has already shown he has what it takes to make an impact in the Premier League.
So Luiz could come in for Gravenberch, with Mac Allister given the licence to push forward and lay on the chances for the front three.
Forwards – Salah, Nunez, Diaz
Klopp has been tipped to cash in on Mohamed Salah next summer, with Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad desperate to get their hands on him a year before his contract on Merseyside expires. If the Reds are strong enough to brush off the club’s advances, Salah will play a key role once again next season, with Luiz Diaz and Cody Gakpo also battling it out for a spot in the frontline.
Darwin Nunez could be the man to lead the line once again, despite being guilty of wasting a hatful of chances this season. Nunez’s pace and power means he could go on to become a success story in England if he can just rediscover the goalscoring touch that convinced Liverpool to shell out an initial £64million to sign him from Benfica last summer.
