After enjoying great success in the past few seasons under the guidance of Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool suffered from a largely underwhelming campaign in 2020/21. The Reds entered the season as the defending Premier League champions, but it was obvious from the get-go that they were set to relinquish their title, and ended up snatching a spot in the Top 4 on a dramatic final day. Thus, the German tactician needs to insert some fresh blood to the team, and at the same time offload some of those who have been barely used. So let’s take a look at three Liverpool players who can reignite their careers with a move to Serie A.
Ozan Kabak (Center Back)
Due to the devastating injury crisis that almost saw the entire backline missing out on the action, the Merseyside club was forced to make some signings in January, and chief among them was Ozan Kabak.
The Turkish center back made the mid-season jump from Schalke, but it seems that the deep struggles of the German club had affected his performances.
The 21-year-old surely is one for the future, and has some immense potential, but he just didn’t look ready for to be Virgil Van Dijk’s replacement just yet.
Whilst Liverpool are reportedly unsure whether they want to sign him on permanent basis or not, the relegated Schalke can’t afford to keep him, and therefore, Serie A could be the right solution.
Milan were known to be on his tracks before he ended up joining the EPL giants, and Stefano Pioli would want to bolster his defense amidst the uncertainty surrounding Alessio Romagnoli’s form and contractual situation.
Preferable Destination: Milan (Loan with option to buy)
(☀️) Premier League clubs Leicester City and Newcastle United, among others, are interested in Ozan Kabak ?? [@sport1] #LCFC #NUFC pic.twitter.com/45ERxiSiGi
— RouteOneFootball (@Route1futbol) June 11, 2021
Xherdan Shaqiri (Winger)
The Swiss international has so far played for Bayern Munich, Inter and Liverpool. However, he was never able to cement himself as a true pillar at a top club.
The winger is 29-years-old, and he needs to find himself a club that allows him to display his talents rather than sit on the bench for the majority of the campaign.
Therefore, this seems to be the right time for Shaqiri to leave Liverpool and perhaps try his luck in Serie A once more.
The former Stoke City man is quick, talented and hard working, and could be the right type of player to shine under the tutelage of Maurizio Sarri.
Preferable Destination: Lazio (Loan with obligation to buy)
?? ???????: Maurizio Sarri has requested the signing of Xherdan Shaqiri according to recent reports.
Lazio have kept the Liverpool winger in their transfer list for a year, and now seems the time to sign him ??
✍? @Elliothompson02 / @SInow https://t.co/WTDrYc057B
— LFC Transfer Room (@LFCTransferRoom) June 11, 2021
Divock Origi (Center Forward)
Another player with a big potential and very little playing time. The Belgian has been with the English side since 2014, and after seven years, it has become apparent that his future lies elsewhere.
Even though the striker would always be a beloved figure by the Kop for his role in the unbelievable comeback against Barcelona in the 2019 Champions League semi final, the man needs to play.
At the age of the 26, the Liverpool player can still resurrect his career, and linking up with his compatriot Romelu Lukaku at Inter could help him settle to life in Serie A.
Even if he’d end up playing second fiddle to his Belgium teammate, but at least Simone Inzaghi would make him feel important once again.
Preferable Destination: Inter (Full transfer)
? NEW: Any forward #LFC additions are contingent on departures. While there is a tacit acknowledgement that Divock Origi and Xherdan Shaqiri are likely to leave this summer, they cannot simply be pushed out the door without offers arriving. #awlive [@dmlynch] pic.twitter.com/7bH2J2WknJ
— Anfield Watch (@AnfieldWatch) June 11, 2021