Liverpool’s 5-2 defeat to Real Madrid served as stark reminder of the massive rebuild that Jurgen Klopp faces this summer with his squad.
Liverpool need reinforcements in both midfield and defence is they are to raise their performance levels and climb back to the top of the Premier League and if they wish to look like a serious threat in Europe.
John Cross for The Mirror now reports that Klopp wants to sign as many as four players in the summer, with his no.1 target for a long time being Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham.
Cross reports that Liverpool’s pursuit of Bellingham may be dependent on whether the Reds qualify for the Champions League next season. This is a very achievable takes for Klopp, as Liverpool sit 7 points outside the top 4 with two games in hand.
Cross also reports that the funds Klopp will receive in the summer to sign players will also be shaped by where Liverpool finish in the final table this season. Champions League qualification would guarantee more funds are made available to Klopp to undertake his rebuild.
Regardless, Liverpool will be forced to sell a number of first team players this summer to get the squad overhaul underway.
James Milner, Roberto Firmino, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita are all out of contract in the summer. It remains to be seen if Klopp will offer an extension to any of the four players.
Joel Matip and Joe Gomez have also been linked with summer departures.
