Liverpool are keen to sign midfielder Pep Guardiola on a free transfer.
Having previously dived into the Football League market to sign Joe Gomez and Andy Robertson, is it time for Liverpool to do the same?
The Premier League continues to act as the ultimate destination for players making their name in the Football League.
A number of players have been brought in from the lower leagues of late and have continued to thrive in the top flight, with Ivan Toney arguably the best of the bunch as of late.
The Brentford striker’s talent was evident during his days at Peterborough United in League One and he soon moved on to the Championship, where he once again rose to the occasion. Liverpool have been linked with the striker in recent years and have certainly missed a trick by not securing his services and watching other Football League players embrace the Premier League. The impressive Crystal Palace duo of Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise hailed from QPR and Reading respectively and soon seemed home, while others like Ben White and Harry Kane were loaned out to Football League clubs before becoming household names.
The Reds had already turned to Charlton Athletic when they took over from Joe Gomez in 2015, and Hull City for Andy Robertson in 2017 and it may be wise to follow this path more regularly. With the transfer window now in full swing, we’ve looked at five Football League players Jürgen Klopp could consider as possible recruitment options.
The 19-year-old midfielder had a breakthrough season at Bristol City, making 49 appearances in all competitions for the Robins. Described as an ‘incredible player’ by Pep Guardiola, Robins are aware clubs are likely to reclaim their precious fortune this summer and demand a hefty fee if they decide to cash in.
At 1.8 tackles per league game last season, Scott is a master at stopping play, although his low center of gravity means he’s also good at getting the ball into attacking areas. Aware that top-flight clubs are eager to use his services, the teenager wants to keep his feet on the ground.
“Yeah, that’s a good feeling,” Scott said when asked about the transfer interest. “I think there are Premier League clubs who are interested.” Apparently
It’s a nice feeling, but I ignore it as much as possible. I won’t read anything on Twitter and I’ve told my family members not to read what you see because half the time it’s not true.
People can outdo themselves, especially my friends. For me it’s just about focusing on my football – then we’ll see what happens. I don’t want to give a specific time when these things will come into effect. Of course, one day I want to play at the highest level.”
Gustaf Hammer – City of Coventry
A driving force behind Coventry’s promotion, the tough midfielder has established himself impressively in the Second Division since joining the Sky Blues from Dutch club PEC Zwolle in 2020.
The 25-year-old scored both goals and assists, netting nine goals and assisting in double figures last season to help Mark Robins’ men progress to the league play-off final.
Averaging 2.6 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per game in 2022-23, Hamer has the strength to cope with the physicality of the Premier League.
The Reds are best suited to fill the role of Fabinho but may soon need a player to fill the role and would make a smart investment in the form of the Brazilian-born star.
The Reds had previously been selected for a three-man Liverpool in the summer of 2020, but instead pursued a deal to sign Diogo Jota from Wolves and the rest is history. Sarr made a huge impression playing at the top level, scoring five goals and providing six assists in his first season in England’s top flight. His stunning performance in 2019/20 ironically came against Liverpool after he scored twice before a Troy Deeney goal scored as the Reds’ 27-game unbeaten run in the Premier League ended.
The Senegalese international has nearly left Vicarage Road several times, although it won’t be long before he heads towards the exit. When his contract runs out next summer, Liverpool could buy the striker at a discounted price or wait until next summer for what would be the last free signing. Sarr, just 25 years old, would be an arsenal of attack. The Brazilian midfielder, who was signed by São Paulo for £6m last summer, has certainly made an appearance in his first year in English football. Despite Norwich falling short of expectations, Sara lived up to the hype in the second tier and was subsequently linked with a number of other clubs.
Sara is capable of playing the striker and also serves as the dominant figure in the midfield. Goals from midfield have been a strong point of the Canary Islands recruit, responsible for a sensational goal against Millwall during the latter stages of the 2022/23 season.
Asked to clarify her future in March, the 23-year-old said: “I want to live in the present. I actually don’t know anything about these reports. I feel so confident and adjusting to this competition. Every game I feel better. I learn to fight for the ball, to handle the press and tactically. Quality on the pitch makes me better and my team makes me a better player.”
He won the Under-19 European Championship with England last year and recently played for the Three Lions at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina. Peterborough chairman Darragh MacAnthony, a Liverpool fan, has predicted success in the game for the defender and wants the Reds to act.
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