Liverpool have been a busy club in the transfer window this summer but Jurgen Klopp has not been able to land most of his top transfer targets yet. It could get worse for the English outfit as interest from Catalan giants Barcelona might see them lose their talisman in Philippe Coutinho this summer.
The Spanish outfit are ready to do what it takes to land Coutinho this summer and reports claim that he has already agreed on a verbal deal with them for a move. Liverpool are adamant that he is not for sale, but reports claim that they have already started searching for replacements.
With time running out in the transfer market, Liverpool want to stay a step ahead and are monitoring their top options to replace the Brazilian this summer and Athletic Bilbao’s speedy striker Inaki Williams is now reportedly at the top of the wishlist for the German gaffer.
Liverpool were already linked with Williams at the start of the transfer window but reports from Tutto Mercato Web now claim that they are now back in for the player and are also monitoring the services of Ousmane Dembele from Borussia Dortmund as a Coutinho’s replacement. So is Williams a decent option?
Known for his pace, strength and smart head on his shoulders, Williams is a beast not many defenders will want to face on a regular basis. His technical ability allows him to beat defenders with ease while his pace and hold up play are an added advantage in the final third. He is strong in the air and will add another dimension to the Liverpool attack and though he needs to work on his finishing, is a decent player to have in the squad.
At 23, he already has an international appearance for Spain and 85 La Liga appearances to his name and is already an established star and can surely be a huge hit in the system at Anfield.
However, he is far from a like for like replacement for Coutinho. The Brazilian star is a play maker who loves to have the ball at his feet and create chances. Williams is more of a target man, who can hold up play on the face of the box to allow his side to build up numbers.
They are players with different styles but Klopp will hope that he can replace the goals and assists that Coutinho gives Liverpool every season. Losing Phil will be a huge loss for Liverpool but do you think Williams can be the man to replace him?
