Liverpool have been told their fiercest rival will become “unbeatable” if they lose out in a blockbuster transfer race for a star who “suits” Jurgen Klopp’s style.
Historically there is no debate Liverpool’s greatest rival is Manchester United. However, in recent seasons, it is Manchester City who have most often been the barrier between the Reds and greater success.
Pep Guardiola’s side have been crowned champions in three of the past four seasons. Though Chelsea remain firmly in the hunt, few would be surprised to see Liverpool and the Cityzens duelling for the title once more come May.
But looking beyond this season, Liverpool may need to make significant investments in their forward line just to keep pace.
With Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino all approaching 30, a fresh injection may be required.
One player linked with both Liverpool and Manchester City is Erling Haaland. The Norwegian goal machine will reportedly be available for the modest sum of £68m next summer per his release clause.
Real Madrid will likely have a strong say in Haaland’s future, while a recent twist suggested a Borussia Dortmund contract extension cannot be ruled out.
However, speaking to Goal (via Empire of the Kop), former Reds full-back John Arne Riise has warned of dire consequences if Guardiola is able to bring Haaland to the Etihad.
“Obviously I would love to have him at Liverpool, because he’s an unbelievable player,” said Riise.
“He’s in great form, and I think he would suit [Jurgen] Klopp’s style of football. I also think he would love Liverpool as a club.
“But if City got him, wow! You talk about unbeatable teams, then that would be close!
“Whoever gets Haaland, whether it’s next season or whatever, is going to be an unbelievably strong team for many years to come.”
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Meanwhile, Liverpool-linked forward Karim Adeyemi could stay within the Red Bull network and move from RB Salzburg to RB Leipzig.
Liverpool – who have strong ties to the Red Bull brand of football – are reportedly monitoring his progress.
Meanwhile, former Bayern Munich youth player Adeyemi has said that he would love to return to the Bundesliga champions and prove them wrong.
However, 90min now reports that Leipzig have emerged as another potential destination for the forward. In fact, Bayern’s Bundesliga rivals hope they can fend off interest from elsewhere and sign him in 2022.
Leipzig feel that moving to the club from Salzburg would be an ‘ideal stepping stone’ for Adeyemi.
That would allow Adeyimi to continue playing Champions League football. Furthermore, he could help Leipzig challenge Bayern and Borussia Dortmund for the title.
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