James Pearce provides update on all things Liverpool

James Pearce has provided an update on a number of topics regarding the Reds for The Liverpool Echo.

Pearce was asked about Rhian Brewster and Liverpool’s potential backup strikers to begin his Q&A, and this was his answer.

“Klopp doesn’t want to block the pathway for Brewster, who will be elevated to the first-team set-up once he’s fit, which is likely to be late August/early September,” said Pearce.

“Liverpool are in the market for an attacking midfielder as they still haven’t replaced Philippe Coutinho. However, I’m not aware of Klopp looking to buy a central striker.

“Obviously, Firmino is the No 9 and as it stands he’s got Solanke, Ings and Brewster as back-up. Sturridge is set to leave and Klopp has a decision to make on Origi in pre-season.”

READ: Naby Keita set to take iconic No 8 shirt

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – Saturday, November 26, 2016: Liverpool’s Divock Origi celebrates scoring the first goal againstSunderland during the FA Premier League match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

READ: Dejan Lovren is “proud” of Jordan Henderson

Signings coming in before the conclusion of the World Cup was the next topic.

“As nations are knocked out of the World Cup, I think we’ll see business start to happen again,” said Pearce.

“Everything has been on hold since the tournament kicked off. National team bosses were never going to allow club futures to be decided once the World Cup kicked off.”

When Pearce was asked about players he believed could help bridge the gap between the Reds and Manchester City, he gave some interesting suggestions.

“If Liverpool are serious about challenging for the Premier League title next season then they have to buy a new No 1 and they need a top class attacking midfielder. If they don’t go back in for Fekir then I’d like to see them test Dortmund’s resolve on Pulisic,” said Pearce.

“The signings of Keita and Fabinho should help Liverpool close the gap on City but Klopp needs a few more in the door.”

Joe Gomez was a discussion point regarding Liverpool and their chances of signing another centre-back.

“Not that I know of. Klopp was delighted with how Van Dijk and Lovren established a partnership in the second half of last season. Matip is also close to full fitness after his thigh injury,” said Pearce.

“Gomez is on the comeback trail and I’d expect him to get some game time at centre-back in 2018/19. Then there’s Klavan, who is about to enter the final year of his deal.”

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – Sunday, January 14, 2018: Liverpool’s Joe Gomez prepares to take a throw-in during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Pearce gave some clarity around what will happen with those eliminated in the group stage of the World Cup and their plans to join pre-season in the USA and Ireland.

“Yes, they will get a few weeks off but they will be back at Melwood in time for the tour of the USA. Mohamed Salah is in that category,” said Pearce.

“The Liverpool squad arrive in Charlotte for the first leg on July 21. Only those who go deep into the knockout stages will miss the matches in the States. With the game against Napoli in Dublin not until August 4, Klopp should have everyone back by then.”

Harry Wilson will get a chance in pre-season and Pearce is looking forward to seeing what the youngster can do.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing how Wilson does in pre-season. With Salah and Mane not involved in those early friendlies, it’s a great opportunity for him to carry on where he left off during that loan spell at Hull,” said Pearce.

“Of course there’s a big difference between shining in the Championship and delivering at the top end of the Premier League but Wilson is a big talent. He knows the coming month will be crucial for him in terms of proving he commands a place in Klopp’s plans.”

When it came to the biggest topic in Nabil Fekir, Pearce said he’d be surprised if the Reds went back for him.

“Liverpool insist they have moved on from Fekir but sources close to the player still believe a deal could be revived. His heart was set on Anfield and Lyon are clearly still keen to cash in,” said Pearce.

“Having decided that £53million was too big a risk due to concerns over an old knee injury, I’d be surprised if Liverpool went back in for him.

“I still expect Klopp to sign a Coutinho replacement in this window but as we’ve seen with the left-back and the centre-back situations in recent years, if he can’t get exactly what he wants he’s prepared to wait.”

LISBON, PORTUGAL – JULY 23: Lyon’s midfielder Nabil Fekir during the Friendly match between Sporting CP and Lyon at Estadio Jose Alvalade on July 23, 2016 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)

To finish off, the goalkeeping situation was brought up.

“Alisson was the No 1 target but Roma’s asking price and the keeper’s desire to join Real Madrid means those hopes have faded. His future will become clearer once Brazil are no longer in the World Cup,” said Pearce.

“I’m sure a lot of work is going on in the background. Liverpool have been linked with a whole host of alternatives but I’m told there’s nothing in talk of making a move for either Burnley’s Nick Pope or Lazio’s Thomas Strakosha.”

The post James Pearce provides update on all things Liverpool appeared first on AnfieldHQ.

Source: anfieldhq.com