Klopp turns to goal-hungry youngster as Liverpool eye serious upgrade to struggler

Patson Daka, Red Bull Salzburg striker, TEAMtalk

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp and sporting director Michael Edwards are reportedly considering a transfer splurge to bring Red Bull Salzburg striker Patson Daka to Anfield this summer.

The Reds have struggled for consistency this season with their title defence crumbling. Five successive home defeats saw Klopp’s troops hit a new nadir. However, three straight wins and three clean sheets in a row for the first time since February 2020 have given the Reds renewed optimisim for a positive end to the season.

Indeed, one pundit reckons they’re bang on track for a top-four finish – not a bad turnaround for a task Klopp once rated “impossible”.

However, too many of Liverpool’s star performers have been way below their best this season. And one man whose poor form has stood out is Roberto Firmino. The Brazil star has just six goals and five assists from 38 appearances this season.

As such, the Brazilian finds, for the first time, his place in the side under serious scrutiny. Firmino was even linked with a shock swap deal with Atletico Madrid as doubts on his future grew.

Now the Daily Star claims Liverpool are seriously considering replacements for Firmino. The likes of Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe have both been touted as potential targets.

Realistically, however, Liverpool will be shopping in Tesco, not Waitrose this summer and more modest names are likely to be targeted.

Jurgen Klopp: Liverpool still in top-four race

Jurgen Klopp: Liverpool still in top-four race

Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool are still in the race to finish in the top four of the Premier League following their 3-0 win at Arsenal on Saturday.

With that in mind, the Star claims prolific Salzburg star Daka has seriously impressed the Reds. The Zambian, 22, has netted a huge 23 goals in just 19 games this season. He is contracted until summer 2024, but can leave for just €20m this summer.

Daka has previously been linked with Arsenal and Manchester United – but it seems Liverpool are leading the chase.


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Klopp cools talk of major rebuild

Klopp, meanwhile, has played down talk that his Liverpool squad needs a major rebuild this summer.

“Rebuild? No. What is ‘rebuild’ exactly? Rebuild means 10 out, 10 in? Changes to which XI?” he said.

“I know what you mean but I don’t think it is time for a massive rebuild like how I understand it: six, seven out, running contracts but trying to get rid of them and bring in all the new faces.

Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool boss smiling

“The squad of this year didn’t have the chance to play together one time really. I think it would make sense to have a look at that but on top of that, of course little readjustments will happen.

“Reacting on the situation but planning at the same time for the future and all these kinds of things.

“I am not sure we can do that in the summer but that is what we will try.”

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