Jurgen Klopp has signed players from relegated Premier League teams in the past and may have options again in summer
The business end of the current Premier League campaign is approaching and teams are beginning to grasp exactly what they have to play for between now and the end of May.
Upon reflection of the Premier League table, it is reasonable to suggest that every team between 15th and 20th is at risk of spending next season in the Championship.
Plenty of talented players are likely to suffer from relegation, and Liverpool could pay attention by using the upcoming summer transfer window to target those who are good to enough to remain in England’s top-flight.
So which players from potentially relegated sides could Jurgen Klopp target at the end of the campaign?
Kalvin Phillips (Leeds United)
Liverpool may be after a new midfielder this summer, and Kalvin Phillips could be perfect if Leeds United are unable to avoid relegation after appointing Jesse Marsch to replace Marcelo Bielsa recently.
Phillips is a full England international, and he’s also homegrown. Aged just 26, Phillips is entering what are typically understood to be prime years for a central midfielder.
With a contract which is due to expire in two years, Phillips may be attainable before his contract starts to tick down. He’s aggressive, capable in possession and very versatile, having played as a centre-back, a holding midfielder and a box-to-box midfielder in recent seasons.
The Reds have been tipped for a move for him in the past, and this summer could be the best time to land his signature.
Ismaila Sarr (Watford)
When Watford last suffered relegation from the Premier League, Ismaila Sarr was heavily linked with a transfer to Liverpool. His club demanded around £40m for his services at the time, with the Reds targeting Diogo Jota instead.
Since, Luis Diaz has also joined up with Klopp, which could spell the end for Sarr and a potential switch to Merseyside.
But the versatility of the Senegalese international might be enough for Liverpool to remain interested.
During his time at Vicarage Road, Sarr has been deployed as a forward through the middle and on both flanks, with most of his minutes originating from the right side of the pitch where Mohamed Salah tends to perform.
Sarr isn’t left-footed like Salah, but he does pose a threat on that flank and could act as a backup option for the Egyptian. With two years left on his contract this summer, Watford’s power to demand £40m for his services wouldn’t be as strong.
Raphinha (Leeds United)
After signing Diaz in January, Liverpool now have a suitable replacement and rotation option for Sadio Mane, with both of those wide forwards preferring to operate on the left before cutting inside using their right foot.
However, on the opposite flank, Klopp is still without an alternative left-footed forward to Salah.
Kaide Gordon fits the bill, but he’s just 17 years-old, and the same could be said for Harvey Elliott, but he’s been converted into a central midfielder this season.
If the Reds are interested in acquiring two players for every position, Raphinha seems perfect as a backup option for Salah. The Brazilian is 25-years-old which is prime Liverpool age, and he has just two years left on his contract.
No player at Elland Road has registered more goals or assists than Raphinha, and he’s quick, direct, creative and proven in the Premier League. If he suffers relegation, he could be ideal as a final piece of Liverpool’s offensive puzzle.
Max Aarons (Norwich City)
Since Liverpool signed Kostas Tsimikas, the Greek full-back has been able to come into the team whenever needed, allowing Andy Robertson to benefit from some much needed rest.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, by contrast, has been required to play more often, as Klopp doesn’t have a direct alternative who can compensate for his loss.
James Milner has played as a right-back at times. Neco Williams has also occupied the spot, but he’s currently thriving at Fulham. It remains to be seen what his next step will be after that loan spell.
Max Aarons can’t quite do as much as Alexander-Arnold, but he’s an attack-minded right-back who could potentially perform as a backup for the Scouse defender, much like Tsimikas for Robertson.
Aarons is just 22-years-old, and he’s English with homegrown status attached to his profile. The Norwich City defender has plenty of experience despite his youthful age, and his contract is due to expire in two years. For a reduced price, he could fill a squad void at Anfield.
