Liverpool have been having a clear out this summer with nine players leaving the Merseyside giants over the last few weeks, with only three new faces joining the ranks there is definitely an argument to be made that the club have weakened the squad.
In terms of the forward line, despite securing a fantastic contract extension for Mohamed Salah the loss of Sadio Mane and Taki Minamino will surely be felt with Mane a consistent performer scoring 120 goals over his six-year tenure and Minamino was the top goal scorer in both domestic trophy victories last season.
In addition to the confirmed departures of three goal-scorers this summer, there is now speculation that Juventus are in advanced talks to snatch the services of Liverpool’s Brazilian number nine Roberto Firmino, a decision that would prove unpopular with the Anfield faithful as the player has become a fan favourite.
There is no doubt that Firmino’s game time has been dwindling over the past few seasons following the arrival of Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz, but the attributes the 30-year-old star brings to the team are unmatched with Klopp labelling the player “the best offensive defender I ever saw in my life”.
With that being said, if FSG do decide to give Bobby the boot this summer there is one player who could be the perfect replacement for Liverpool to continue to take advantage of having an attacking player with solid defensive attributes in the advanced role in the team.
Martin Terrier has been linked with a move to the Red side of Merseyside on numerous occasions this summer, and has proven over the last season that he has what it takes to offer the full package Liverpool could be looking for.
The Stade Rennais star who has a reported price tag of £34m, scored 21 goals, delivered three assists and created five big chances, making 1.1 key passes, 1.5 tackles and taking 2.4 shots per game, as well as winning the majority of his duels (53%) over 37 league appearances.
Terrier was the third top goal scorer, ranked second for the most shots on target and ranked sixth for chance creation in the entirety of Ligue One last season and when it comes to positioning can play effectively in the attacking midfield, striker and left winger role.
The Frenchman has been lavished with praise by his manager Bruno Génésio who hailed the rising star “high-level” in a quote from the Ligue One website:
“Martin Terrier has all the qualities of a high-level player, tactically and in his movements. He’s attacking more aggressively too.”
It will be interesting to see how Liverpool react to the interest in Firmino, especially with the player in the last 12 months of his contract currently and whether they will have a replacement lined up ready to step into his role should the Brazilian leave this summer.
AND in other news, FSG plotting Liverpool bid to sign “daring” £42m phenomenon, imagine him & Nunez…