Liverpool have been linked with reigniting their interest in a high-profile player this month, but who is that highly-rated individual?
Speaking on Anfield Index’s ‘Media Matters’ podcast, hosted by This is Anfield contributor Sachin Nakrani, the Telegraph‘s Jason Burt gave his thoughts on the Reds’ January transfer business after selling Philippe Coutinho.
On potential incomings, Burt got Liverpool supporters excited by claiming the club are trying to go back in for a top player they have been linked with in the past, albeit with hope more than expectation.
“It’s not one of the obvious names,” he said.
“I don’t think it’s achievable and I’ve been asked not to write it.”
Jonathan Northcroft of the Sunday Times backed up Burt’s claims in the show that followed.
“The player Jason was talking about is a player who Liverpool have been interested in for some time,” Northcroft said.
“I think anyone who comes in will be of that ilk. There’s been a good deal of good transfer planning.”
These comments have got us thinking about who this mystery player may be—here are five who spring who mind.
Christian Pulisic
Perhaps already the most talented American footballer of all time, Christian Pulisic is someone Liverpool have tracked in the past.
The prodigiously gifted 19-year-old is already a star for Borussia Dortmund, but with the Bundesliga giants showing signs of stagnating a little this season, a new challenge may well appeal.
Possessing lightning pace, versatility and quality in the final third, the USA international would be an incredibly exciting capture.
He could adopt a right-sided role in a 4-4-2 system, allowing Mohamed Salah to push up alongside Roberto Firmino in attack.
Julian Brandt
This time last year, Julian Brandt was being pencilled in as Jurgen Klopp‘s first-choice summer signing, bringing speed and directness to the team that only Sadio Mane was offering.
The deal ended up failing to materialise, however, with the youngster concerned about a lack of playing time, but has that changed now?
Brandt turns 22 in May, and he may feel that his time at Bayer Leverkusen is reaching its natural conclusion, with a transfer to a more prestigious club required.
Klopp is believed to be a huge admirer of his compatriot and, much like Pulisic, he would bring great quality in the final third.
Julian Draxler
Another very talented Germany international, Julian Draxler has all the attributes to succeed in this Reds side.
Links to Liverpool have been fairly sparse of late, but the comments of Burt and Northcroft suggest the player in question would be a signing slightly out of left-field.
Draxler fits the bill, in that respect.
Capable of thriving in an attacking midfield role or out wide, Draxler has the experience and class to come straight in and fill a Coutinho-shaped void.
Mauro Icardi
When discussing the best strikers in the world right now, Mauro Icardi isn’t a name that rolls off the tongue as much as the likes of Luis Suarez, Robert Lewandowski, Harry Kane and Cavani.
The Inter Milan superstar is right up there with the best of them at the moment, though, with 18 goals in just 22 appearances this season, including a hat-trick in the Milan derby.
No concrete links have appeared in the past, but the Argentine is someone who would suit Liverpool down to the ground, with his tenacity, quality and goalscoring prowess.
It would also provide both great competition for the brilliant Firmino and add a huge amount of squad depth, and be a transfer from nowhere.
Real Madrid have been rumoured to be making a move, however, which could scupper things.
Luis Suarez
This is a very ‘out there’ shout, in fairness, but could a shock return for Suarez, arguably Liverpool’s most talented ever player, be on the cards?
‘El Pistolero’ has been sensational for Barcelona since departing Anfield in 2014, establishing himself as one of the top three or four footballers on the planet.
This season has not gone to plan, though, with 11 goals in 23 matches a poor return by his standards, and there are murmurs that he is unhappy.
As his 31st birthday approaches this month, could Klopp be eyeing up a move for the striker, with Barca looking for a younger replacement moving forward?
It is, admittedly, highly unlikely, but having Suarez back would be met with unbridled joy, and Liverpool could still get several excellent years out of him.
He could be magnificent alongside Firmino or Salah, but also rotate if it is clear that his very best days are behind him.
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