The Reds’ chances of qualifying for the Champions League were dealt a severe blow when the Premier League champions turned up the style in the second half and ran away 4-1 winners.
It served as a wake-up call for Jurgen Klopp, who has acknowledged that a rebuild is necessary if Liverpool is to once again contend at the highest level.
We look at some of the top targets for the Merseysiders as the summer transfer season approaches before their trip to Chelsea on Tuesday night.
Jude Bellingham
Jordan Henderson and Fabinho frequently line up as starters in the midfield, which is a crucial position for Liverpool but where they presently lack star talent.
Due to his ongoing medical issues, Thiago comes across as unreliable, and Harvey Elliott lacks the necessary experience to make a significant contribution in the Premier League.
If a deal can be finalized, Liverpool would be getting a player of Jude Bellingham’s caliber who is thriving in the Bundesliga. His name has been linked for more than a year.
At the World Cup in Qatar, the 19-year-old stood out for England. This season, he has contributed 10 goals and 6 assists for Borussia Dortmund across all categories.
Josko Gvardiol
Josko Gvardiol recently took a beating from City in the Champions League, but he is still a talented player with the potential to rule at the highest level for years to come.
The center back for RB Leipzig is an important member of the Bundesliga’s third-best defense and has already won 21 caps for Croatia.
The 6 foot powerhouse, who was born in Zagreb, helped his nation finish third in Qatar and would give Liverpool’s defense steadiness and longevity.
Mason Mount
Even though Mason Mount isn’t having his greatest season at Chelsea, a change of scenery might be just what the Englishman needs to regain his best form.
The 2022–23 season has seen Liverpool score goals without much difficulty, though they have become more reliable since losing Sadio Mane to Bayern Munich.
Klopp would appreciate Mount’s versatility because he can play in a more advanced position or as a wide man if necessary.
Although Liverpool are interested in the Englishman and his contract expires at the conclusion of the upcoming season, the Englishman’s future at Stamford Bridge is still up in the air as the Blues search for a new manager.
Antonio Silva
The rapid ascent of Antonio Silva at Benfica has other European powerhouses on high alert and he may be a less expensive replacement for Gvardiol.
The 19-year-old is staking his claim for a spot on Portugal’s national team and has helped the Eagles maintain 15 clean sheets in the Primeira Liga this season.
The newest academy product from Benfica might be the final component needed to strengthen Liverpool’s porous defense.
Adrien Rabiot
Adrien Rabiot, a midfielder for Juventus and France, will be a free agency in the summer and has previously stated that he wants to play in the Premier League.
The 36-cap international being linked with a move to Merseyside would make sense given Liverpool’s desire to strengthen in the center of the park.
The six-time Ligue 1 champion is seeking to add to his résumé after making an impression in Qatar. He played frequently for Paris Saint-Germain before moving to Italy.
Since Naby Keita has been a letdown for the Reds since his 2018 arrival, he is the ideal replacement due to his versatility in passing and agility.
