Liverpool are reportedly plotting a sensational swoop on Borussia Monchengladbach duo Denis Zakaria and Marcus Thuram this summer.
According to Express.de, Liverpool have set their sights on Marcus Thuram and Denis Zakaria. The Borussia Monchengladbach duo has been identified as the desired targets for Jurgen Klopp as he prepares to strengthen his squad in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The report claims that Thuram is likely to cost around €50 million, although negotiations could be difficult, with the player being represented by none other than Mino Raiola. The news outlet assumes that a potential swoop for these two individuals could cost Liverpool up to €100 million.
Practically, it shouldn’t be difficult for Liverpool to flush out €100 million on two of Bundesliga’s most sought-after players, especially having made no real big-money signings in the recent memory.
That being said, the Reds are expected to face stiff competition from Premier League rivals in the pursuit of Zakaria and Thuram. In fact, recent reports claim Manchester United are leading the race to sign Zakaria while the other one has also been linked with a move to Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund among many others.
Nonetheless, Liverpool must step up their pursuit of these two players if they are to retain their dominance in English football next season. Thuram, in particular, could be an excellent acquisition given their overreliance on the revered offensive trio of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane.
Thuram has been one of the stars in the Bundesliga this season, scoring six goals and providing eight assists in 25 league matches. His productivity in the final third, combined with his pace and trickery out wide would provide Klopp with an ideal alternative or even a replacement for someone like Firmino, who has struggled to find the back of the net, especially at home.
Zakaria, meanwhile, would be an ideal replacement for Naby Keita, who has been linked with a move away from Anfield.
Unlike the Guinean international, the Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder is a much more robust and defence-oriented figure in the middle of the park. He can read the game well while his tenacity and aggression make him a tailor-made fit for Klopp’s Gegenpressing style of football.
Zakaria has been an ever-present figure in a Gladbach side that has impressed the onlookers under new coach Marco Rose this season. Aside from his dynamic nature in midfield, the Swiss international has a strong mentality and could definitely prosper at Liverpool. He can even be identified as an ideal long-term replacement for the ageing James Milner.
But as mentioned earlier, both these players are targeted by a bunch of other Premier League clubs. And with Coronavirus taking a massive financial toll among clubs across Europe, things could get really tricky for Liverpool this summer.
