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English players to bring to Liverpool?

Even though Curtis Jones is currently injured, it does not negate the fact that he still would not have been selected above former teammate, Jordan Henderson, or Conor Gallagher, for the current England squad. I can understand the need to select Kalvin Phillips this season, as he is starting to feature a little more often for Manchester City, whilst being the only real defensive midfielder available to Gareth Southgate. My continuing irritation, however, is to see a vastly overrated and consistently underperforming player in Gallagher, who has been below average for almost the entirety of his Chelsea playing time, more highly regarded than our talented number 17.

While on loan at Crystal Palace, the Chelsea graduate was very impressive and worked well within a structure that needed hard work from certain individuals. At Stamford Bridge this season, the 23-year-old is often lost within an enterprise built upon wealthy and talented individuals, with good performances very rare. An ability to run and work hard is a requirement for his team right now, however, he still stands as the West Londoners version of Scott McTominay, as someone that has a level that usually only services limited managers.

As for Jordan Henderson, his own status as a trusted lieutenant cannot hide the fact that he now plays in the footballing equivalent of a retirement home, which means he should not have been given assurances by his England manager before his controversial move to Al-Ettifaq. So many other English hopefuls deserve international recognition, yet the Etihad desire of Liverpool’s former captain to reach 100 caps, is blinding both him and his three lions coach into continued international recognition.

With that rant complete, I shall now be looking at the players within the squad that could become Anfield targets in the summer.

Which England Stars Should Interest the Reds…?

Levi Colwill – LCB / LB

Even though he signed a new long-term deal at the Bridge (this past summer), that should not stop Liverpool’s recruitment team from keeping a keen eye on the gifted Chelsea defender. His overspending employers may well receive sanctions in the near future, which could create an avenue to explore his signing at the second attempt.

  • Current Club: Chelsea
  • Contract Expiry: 30 June 2029
  • Projected Price: £70m
  • Verdict: That ship has probably sailed.

Marc Guehi – RCB / RB

Despite many solid performances and the growing stature of the Crystal Palace player, this 6ft defender is still not the ideal candidate for a Jürgen Klopp centre back. As a backup and rotation piece, he would be a fine addition, however, a contract that runs until 30th June 2026 would make a deal in the near future very expensive.

  • Current Club: Crystal Palace
  • Contract Expiry: 30 June 2026
  • Projected Price: £60m
  • Verdict: Very tantalizing, yet still slightly small for a Jürgen Klopp defender. Would also be very expensive.

Kalvin Phillips – CDM / RCB

Despite his recent uplift in minutes for Manchester City, the former Leeds United powerhouse is still very much on the periphery at the Etihad. Pep Guardiola would be reluctant to enable any rivals with a vastly experienced and able destroyer, which makes an inexpensive move unlikely. A loan could be explored, yet a more long-term solution should be explored.

  • Current Club: Manchester City
  • Contract Expiry: 30 June 2028
  • Projected Price: £35m
  • Verdict: I would not want a permanent deal, therefore, a January loan for six months would make more sense. Very unlikely.

Who Are Those Outside the Squad That Should Be Monitored…?

Ivan Toney – CF

The ultra-talented striker is closing in on the end of his football ban, with a plethora of elite clubs ready to launch their bids for his undoubted talents. Liverpool is well stocked in their forward line, which makes a move very unlikely.

  • Current Club: Brentford
  • Contract Expiry: 30 June 2025
  • Projected Price: £65m
  • Verdict: With Darwin, Cody, and Diogo already at his disposal, Klopp has no need for the exciting Brentford striker.

Emile Smith Rowe – ACM / LW / RW

This is a talented and versatile player that always seems to either be injured or on the outside looking in. A move away from the Emirates in the next 18 months is inevitable, for the 23-year-old to fully explore his elite level potential. With a contract that expires on 30 June 2026, he is someone that should be monitored over the next 18 months.

  • Current Club: Arsenal
  • Contract Expiry: 30 June 2026
  • Projected Price: £45m
  • Verdict: Too risky and injury prone at the moment, much like Alex Oxlade Chamberlain before him.

Morgan Gibbs-White – ACM

Like Brennan Johnson and James Maddison, this is a wonderful footballer that should always be enquired about. The attacking midfielder is absolutely the type of player that should be considered in the next two years, however, his price and suitability within a well-stocked Anfield area makes any deal unlikely.

  • Current Club: Nottingham Forest
  • Contract Expiry: 30 June 2027
  • Projected Price: £75m
  • Verdict: With Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Alexis Mac Allister, already recruited, the acquisition of this highly regarded Englishman is not currently a necessity.

Max Kilman – LCB

I am a fan of this player, who could fit very nicely into our injury-prone back line group. The giant 6ft 4inch central defender has a contract that runs for nearly five more years, though a firm offer could see Wolverhampton Wanderers waver. The left-footed player does not turn 27 years old until next summer, so is just now entering his prime years.

  • Current Club: Wolverhampton Wanderers
  • Contract Expiry: 30 June 2028
  • Projected Price: £45m
  • Verdict: With lots of European or cheaper domestic options out there, the projected price makes any move prohibitive.

Lloyd Kelly – LCB / LB

The man that was considered many years ago by the Liverpool recruitment team. The uncapped 25-year-old currently has a contract that expires next summer, which means a winter bid would surely prove fruitful.

  • Current Club: Bournemouth
  • Contract Expiry: 30 June 2024
  • Projected Price: £20
  • Verdict: I can see this transfer being explored, especially with the injury and age of Andy Robertson, alongside the sporadic form of Kostas Tsimikas. The Bournemouth defender would offer depth and assurance in a system where he could be ideally suited.

Any Notable Mentions…?

Lewis Hall, Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, Max Aarons, Fikayo Tomori, Marcus Edwards, Archie Gray.

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