Jurgen Klopp has extended his stay at Liverpool by signing a new 4-year contract, keeping him at Anfield until at least 2026.
The German gaffer was originally slated to leave in 2024 to spend more time with his family, but Liverpool’s quadruple challenge this season has invigorated him to stay on longer.
Now that he’s set to stay for several more years, Klopp will obviously be looking to set up a bright future for the club. That involves winning trophies and competing at the top of the Premier League for years to come. To do that, the Reds must bolster their squad with quality signings.
Klopp is likely to seek a mix of players who can benefit Liverpool for the long run, as well as some able to make an immediate impact – as Luis Diaz has. So here we look at four ideal signings for Klopp’s “new era” at Anfield.
Jonathan David – Liverpool’s next No. 9?
Liverpool might have one of the most dangerous attacks in the world, but there is still room for improvement. Indeed, the Reds still lack a proper, traditional No. 9 who can produce 25+ goals for them.
Diogo Jota has done brilliantly this season (with 21 goals so far), but he’s not really an out-and-out striker. Neither is Sadio Mane. With Divock Origi likely to leave in the summer, Klopp might hunt for a new striker. Jonathan David can be a tailor-made option.
The Lille striker has 17 goals for the French side this season. In the 2019/20 campaign, he scored 23 and last season managed 13. The Canadian is a potent goal machine who can be unleashed in Klopp’s system. WhoScored claim finishing to be his strongest suit, which is exactly what Liverpool need to become even more menacing.
The Reds can rope in David for around £30m-£50m (as per French reports) and he’s unlikely to say no if they come calling. In the 22-year-old they’ll get a quick, physical striker who can add depth to the attack and keep it rocking for years to come.
Aurelian Tchouameni as Fabinho’s successor
Liverpool has a healthy group of midfielders in almost every single area. But, in the defensive midfield position, Fabinho is the only viable, natural option they have. The 28-year-old Brazilian isn’t getting any younger and there isn’t a proper alternative to him.
To keep his midfield line energetic and vibrant as always, Klopp needs to think about reinforcement. An ideal future successor to Fabinho could be rising France midfielder Aurelian Tchouameni.
The 22-year-old has asserted himself as a prominent member of the France side, getting regular appearances with them this past year. Tchouameni is a hard-working, efficient defensive midfielder who has vibes of N’Golo Kante.
As per WhoScored, the Frenchman boasts many top qualities – including aerial duels, tackling, intercepting the ball, blocking shots, and maintaining utmost concentration. He’s the ideal defensive midfielder and a brilliant play-breaker, which is exactly what Liverpool needs.
French outlet Foot Mercato claims Liverpool has even made an initial approach to sign him. Klopp clearly likes Tchouameni, who can provide cover in that deeper midfield area, learn a lot from Fabinho and eventually take over his position to protect the backline for the long-term.
Florian Wirtz – Next big thing for the Reds?
Speaking of Liverpool’s midfield, it almost has all types of different midfielders apart from one – a proper No. 10. Sure, Thiago Alcantara, Harvey Elliot, and Naby Keita have assumed that role – but they are not proper No. 10s.
While Liverpool’s focus in attack is often through the wings, Klopp could look to lessen the dependency on that by signing a quality attacking midfielder. Doing so can help Liverpool against “weaker teams” and break them down easily.
Florian Wirtz is someone Klopp should be eyeing. The 18-year-old is the next big thing in German football. He’s had 24 goal contributions (10 goals, 14 assists) for Bayer Leverkusen this season. Wirtz is an absolute live wire in the attacking areas and has that unpredictable creative threat that can really benefit Liverpool.
He’s averaged 2.5 key passes and 2.3 dribbles completed in 24 Bundesliga appearances (via WhoScored) this season along with his 17 goal contributions, proving how deadly he can be. Under a German manager like Klopp, Wirtz could evolve into a world-class No. 10. He is valued at €70m (as per Transfermarkt), but knowing Florian’s potential and age, it can be well worth it.
Tariq Lamptey – option at right back?
In Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool have arguably the best right-back in world football. The 23-year-old has 18 assists in all competitions this season, an absurd figure for a defender. While Klopp is blessed to have a right-back like Trent, he also knows the defender is only human.
While competing in all competitions, Liverpool are forced to play over 60 games a season. Trent can’t realistically be expected to feature in all of them without being fatigued. The Reds lack a proper alternative and Klopp can actually do with one.
If they want a similarly menacing right-back, Brighton’s Tariq Lamptey is a promising option. The 21-year-old is an extremely quick, adventurous right-back who loves to take on opposition defenders and make menacing runs down the wings.
He is also solid defensively, as WhoScored cite tackling among his greatest strengths. Lamptey loves to dribble, get the ball forward, and put in great crosses. The youngster is valued at only €18m (as per Transfermarkt), making him an economic and smart alternative to Trent.