Liverpool did well to strengthen their biggest problem area during the January transfer window thanks to Michael Edwards’ work on signing Ozan Kabak and Ben Davies. The two new centre-backs should be enough to see the Reds through their reigning title season, where they’ll push to secure another major honour.
However, as displayed during their shock 1-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion, Liverpool’s attack is also under a lot of strain. With super signing Diogo Jota out with a knee injury, the Premier League winners have been missing his tenacity and pace on the pitch. Because of this, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane have been working overtime to conjure up creative play and find the back of the net.
A subject that separates a lot of the Liverpool fanbase is Roberto Firmino’s input to the team. Whilst he is highly regarded as a player that does a lot of work off the ball and who grafts hard to support his teammates, his direct goal involvement stats are questionable for a striker.
Although four goal involvements in his last five appearances is a huge step up from the more recent norm, the Brazilian has suffered long droughts in front of goal. According to BBC Sport, Firmino has just six goals to his name this season, a long way off the likes of Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy and Merseyside derby rival Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Teammate Salah leads the way as the Premier League’s top scorer so far. He has consistently outperformed the striker in terms of goal numbers since he arrived at Anfield. This has led to Liverpool being linked with several new options in the No.9 position and Kylian Mbappe is undoubtedly one of the biggest names being linked.
The French superstar has been linked to Liverpool for several months now, but a recent report from Canal + (relayed via Get French Football News) states that Jurgen Klopp has been pressing Mbappe’s entourage to get his client a move to Merseyside.
Indeed, if the Reds pull off the unthinkable and sign the World Cup winner, Klopp could be looking at this kind of lineup next season…
Being able to deploy a natural goal-machine like Mbappe could make Liverpool one of the most deadly teams on the planet. His natural, effortless ability to find the back of the net is exactly what the Reds are missing right now. However, it’s unlikely Klopp will choose to drop Firmino completely.
The 29-year-old’s lack of goals is made up by his work ethic and passion for the club. His creativity would do wonders for Mbappe as he adjusts to the Premier League and he would also benefit from having Thiago Alcantara manning the engine room behind him.
World Cup winner Mbappe has been heavily praised over the years, with the likes of Cesc Fabregas branding him a “phenomenon” of a player. Certainly, his 134 career goals so far speak for themselves, but Liverpool must be willing to meet his whopping £378,000 per week wage packet – which could be easier said than done given his current PSG contract runs out next year.
This would be one of the biggest transfers in history if it happens, as Klopp pushes Mbappe’s representatives to get him to Anfield. If the German manager gets his wish, he could be in charge of one of the all-time great attacking trios.
In other news, Exclusive: Rob Lee drops verdict on Liverpool return for Danny Ings…
