Writing for the Liverpool Echo, journalist Graham Ruthven has tipped Chelsea winger Willian as the potential solution to manager Jurgen Klopp’s attacking conundrum for next season’s Premier League title defence – especially with Xherdan Shaqiri’s future in doubt and the fact he could come to Anfield as a free agent.
Willian, who has displayed good form throughout the 2019/2020 campaign under Frank Lampard, scoring eight goals and assisting five others in 24 league starts, has now been tipped with a Merseyside move due to the fact he seemingly fits a lot of criteria.
Should Liverpool sign Willian?
Yes, especially if Shaqiri could leave
No, not a rival attacker
Labelled a potentially ‘pragmatic‘ signing by journalist Ruthven, the Brazilian’s soon-to-be stance as a free agent could open the door for Klopp to sign him – especially given Fenway Sports Group’s stance on big money moves this summer due to recent events.
Indeed, partly as a result of revenue losses, Liverpool were unable to lodge a bid for long-time target Timo Werner – with Chelsea eventually swooping in to pay his £45 million release clause.
Given our need to strengthen ahead of 2020/2021, Willian has now emerged as a real candidate to succeed attacker Shaqiri and provide some extra creative flair – potentially as a substitute behind the likes of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.
Labelled as ‘immense‘ by Lampard due to his performances this season, the £138,000-per-week winger clearly has the experience and quality necessary to deputise and make an impact behind our front three.
The 31-year-old also scored a brace on Wednesday night during Chelsea’s shock 3-2 loss at West Ham, with the only question being if Klopp and co will indeed take a gamble and move for his bargain signature.