5 Players Liverpool Can Sign Instead Of Nabil Fekir

Liverpool were handed a cruel blow in their pursuit of Nabil Fekir.

With the Frenchman’s medical all done and even an interview for the club website conducted, Lyon decided to pull the plug on the deal in the last minute, ensuring that the 24-year-old would remain at the Ligue 1 club in a bid for Champions League glory next season.

Jurgen Klopp won’t take this lightly, as Fekir was supposed to be the English side’s prime piece of business of this summer. However, there are still a few players whom they can target and seek to bring to Anfield instead:

Mario Gotze

Prior to rejoining Borussia Dortmund, the young German was highly touted to reunite with his former BVB boss at Liverpool.

Unfortunately, an unexpected illness cut even his stint to Dortmund short. However, the man behind the winner of the previous World Cup could still make the big move.

Speaking to DANZ, Gotze stated: “I decided to leave Bayern and Jurgen Klopp was interested in getting me to Liverpool. And I was also interested in working with him again.

“[The desire to work with Klopp again] still exists. He is a world-class coach and that’s why it’s always an option. I decided to join Borussia Dortmund, but it was not a decision against Liverpool or Jurgen Klopp.”

Will Liverpool make an attempt?

Thomas Lemar

From one Frenchman to another, the 22-year-old possesses all of the technical skill and creative vision that Fekir does, if not more. Further, his all-round presence on the pitch will mean that Liverpool could add significantly to their attacking threats.

Linked to a whole host of clubs this window, Monaco will be really lucky if they manage to keep hold of him for two seasons in a row.

However, Klopp’s insistent pursuit for the youngster may also be hampered, as Barcelona have allegedly entered the race for his signature, and could prove to be tough to beat in terms of negotiations.

Xherdan Shaqiri

The 26-year-old was one of the first names that leaped into the fray once news of the Fekir fallout emerged, as Liverpool were thought to be already linked with the Swiss star with a £12 million move reported to be on the cards.

Shaqiri had this to say about the speculation: “I can’t tell you anything right now. I think my agents take care of my future. I’m focusing on the national team right now.”

The cut-off price is a result of Stoke City being relegated to the Championship, and it seems unlikely that the former Bayern Munich winger will wish to play second-tier football.

Christian Pulisic

Klopp has been a consistent admirer of the American attacking midfielder. Liverpool have tried on at least two occasions in the past to bring him to Anfield, and reports ran strong at the start of this window that Klopp would try yet again.

The 19-year-old is also a talent that is wanted by other big names, but prior reports have reckoned him as inclined to joining the Reds instead. It will be interesting to see whether Dortmund will oblige this time around, but a sizable amount may have to exchange hands.

Moses Simon

A relatively newer name on the list, but one that Liverpool have been firmly linked with. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder currently plays for Gent, and is a Nigerian international.

When quizzed on the apparent interest from Liverpool, Simon replied: “I am aware of the report linking me with Liverpool and all I can say is let us wait and see.

“Gent and my agent have also received offers from clubs in some other European countries. My wish is to play in England, we have to wait and see.”

Could he prove to the attacking presence that will aid the Reds even further?