One of keys to Liverpool’s success under Jurgen Klopp has been the superb work done by the recruitment team. Michael Edwards is passing on the baton to Julian Ward this summer, with Ward already acting as primary negotiator in the signing of Luis Diaz.
Two players believed to be attracting the gaze of LFC’s transfer committee are PSV’s Cody Gakpo and RB Leipzig’s Dominik Szoboszlai. Both play in attacking areas, although Szoboszlai has played in midfield for club and country, including twice against the Reds for RB Salzburg in 2019.
On the latest episode of our Journo Insight Show, we asked goal.com’s Neil Jones for the lowdown on these two European stars.
Neil said: [on Gakpo]
“He’s having a really good season, I think he’s got close to 20 goals this season, in a good side. I don’t think Liverpool will sign him because of the position he plays. He plays left and he’s a right footer. It doesn’t strike me as one that jumps out. PSV have got a decent record of bringing players through and selling them on for good prices. It sounds like he’s being built up for a big move. I look at the price, I think they were talking £35/40 million. I don’t see Liverpool paying that for someone who doesn’t go straight into the mix to start games right away.”
[on Szoboszlai]
“Another player who plays wide. He’s a very talented player. He’s done the Salzburg/Leipzig journey like so many others. He’s got a lot of potential to be a very good player, but again I don’t see Liverpool being in that world at this moment in time.”
Redmen Reacts
Szoboszlai is certainly a talented player, who was unfortunate to be injured in the runup to Euro 2020, which would have given him an opportunity to display his talents on a big stage.
Gakpo will inevitably run into the ‘but can he do it in the Premier League?’ question that greets most talented players that come over from the Eredivisie. For every Ruud van Nistelrooy, there is an Afonso Alves.
Both players seem unlikely signings due to Liverpool’s strength in depth in attacking areas.
With only Divock Origi set to leave, barring the unthinkable happening regarding Mo Salah, minutes on the pitch would be hard to come by.
Perhaps a move to a slightly higher-level European side such as Dortmund could be the next step?
