Transfer Talk: Huge summer ahead as Reds aim to keep pace with City

Liverpool were chasing an unprecedented Quadruple last season but saw their dreams shattered by Manchester City and Real Madrid.

Despite racking up 92 points and two domestic trophies, Reds fans will be feeling underwhelmed after coming so close to making history.

And with a number of key players heading towards the end of their careers or potentially leaving Anfield, it could be time to freshen up their squad.

We take a look at four transfer targets as Jurgen Klopp looks to continue his fine work on the red half of Merseyside.

Calvin Ramsay

Liverpool look to have the centre-back position covered for the next few years with Ibrahima Konate, 23, supporting 30-year-old duo Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip.

At full-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold, 23, and Andrew Robertson, 28, are among the best in the world and have plenty of tread left on their tyres.

Left-back Konstantinos Tsimikas, 26, has also impressed but as Neco Williams looks set to leave after thriving on loan at Fulham, cover is needed at right-back.

The Reds have been tipped to make a swoop for Aberdeen starlet Calvin Ramsay after the 18-year-old produced some eye-catching performances last season.

Ramsay has attracted interest from a host of clubs and would provide a valuable stand-in for Alexander-Arnold with Liverpool set to challenge on several fronts again next season.

Ibrahim Sangare

Liverpool’s midfield is ageing and could be Klopp's No1 priority to strengthen this summer.

Thiago Alcantara and Jordan Henderson are 31, while Fabinho and Naby Keita are in their prime years at 28 and 27 respectively.

James Milner, 36, has signed a one-year extension to provide cover and 19-year-old Harvey Elliott should improve next term after an injury-hit 2021-22 campaign.

But with academy graduate Curtis Jones' Anfield career not taking off as expected, fresh blood would help avoid the risk of Liverpool's engine room stalling in future years.

The Reds were tipped to make a swoop for Aurelien Tchouameni but the Frenchman is set to join Real Madrid

A like-for-like alternative is PSV midfielder Ibrahim Sangare, who has also been linked with a Liverpool move and boasted impressive numbers last season.

The Ivorian, 24, averaged 3.3 tackles and 2.6 interceptions per 90 minutes in the Eredivisie last term, ranking second for both metrics.

Antony

Manchester City's capture of Erling Haaland means Pep Guardiola is threatening to continue his dominance of the Premier League after winning four of the last five editions.

And while Liverpool are currently well stocked up front, Bayern Munich are intent on landing Sadio Mane this summer and talisman Mohamed Salah is entering the final 12 months of his contract.

Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota, both 25, have excelled for the Reds and 19-year-old Fabio Carvalho will link up with the club after starring for Championship winners Fulham.

But with question marks persisting over the futures of two of Liverpool's main talents up top, more reinforcements could be needed and Ajax prodigy Antony would be a superb addition.

The Brazilian, 22, bagged two goals and provided four assists in just seven Champions League outings last term.

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has been tipped to push for a reunion with the winger but Klopp could offer top-level European football to poach the talent from Liverpool's bitter rivals.

Darwin Nunez

With Divock Origi released and Roberto Firmino the wrong side of 30, centre forward is another area where investment is needed.

Jota, Salah and Mane have all been used in that position but Benfica sensation Darwin Nunez appears an ideal fit if Klopp wants a more traditional option to lead the line.

The Uruguayan, 22, managed 34 strikes in just 41 games last season and has drawn interest from United as well as major clubs in Spain.

He also gave the Reds a close look at his ability as he netted in both legs of Benfica's Champions League quarter-final defeat to the beaten finalists.

Reportedly valued at over £80million, Nunez is an expensive option but could dominate the English top flight for years to come.

In safe hands

Liverpool’s recruitment policy has been exemplary under Klopp and Reds fans should feel confident that the German knows what is required.

The squad does not need an overhaul by any means after years of competing at the highest level.

But with City continuing to splash the cash, reinforcements will be needed to make sure the Reds do not end up trailing in the Etihad outfit's wake along with the rest of the Premier League.