As the transfer window approaches once more, Liverpool are being linked to plenty of new additions.
The most important change at Anfield in the off-season will of course be the identity of the man charged with leading the playing squad.
But while that continues to be ironed out, Liverpool also need to make one or two upgrades. The importance of building on a good campaign can’t be underestimated.
With the future of Mohamed Salah in doubt again, there’s a strong possibility that the Reds will need a new forward bringing in. Now, there aren’t many players out there who can do what Salah can. As a result, any ‘replacement’ would likely be a step backwards.
Consequently, Liverpool should be looking at potential. Bring in a player who could hit something like the levels of the Egyptian in two or three years. And according to Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford, the Reds have been linked to one such player.
Patrick Bamford hails Crysencio Summerville impact
The jury is out on what kind of profile Liverpool will target once the new manager comes along. But with Michael Edwards back at the helm, we can at least get some kind of idea.
In Edwards’ previous time at the club, the Reds became well known for picking up talent that was perhaps a little under the radar. Under Jurgen Klopp’s expert eye, those players would then go on to become superstars.
Look at Sadio Mane, Andy Robertson, Gini Wijnaldum, even Salah himself. None of them were signed as the stars they’d go on to be at Liverpool. So, it’s probable that Edwards and his new sporting director Richard Hughes will employ a similar strategy. With that in mind, links to Leeds winger Crysencio Summerville tick a lot of the boxes for Liverpool’s recruitment team.
And after Summerville scored two more goals in the Championship last night, Bamford raved about what he’s seen from the 22-year-old in training.
“With Cry we’ve known for three or four seasons,” smiled the striker in an interview with Sky Sports. “I remember when he first signed, even in training you thought ‘wow, this kid’s good.’ It was just about him knuckling down in his attitude and getting the other side of it right really.
“Even last year I think there were a few question marks around it but he’s come back in the summer and honestly, it’s like a switch has just been turned on and it’s for him and everything’s coming together. We always knew he was capable of this and he’s going to go on to big things in the future I’ve no doubt.”
How many goals has Summerville scored this season
Liverpool fans should have learnt by now not to be underwhelmed by transfer links. If Edwards and co go after a player, they tend to get it right.
Of course, without Klopp’s influence that may now become harder. But you’d still back the transfer guru to bag more hits than misses.
Ironically, that’s also something Summerville has been doing this season, too. The Dutchman’s double against Middlesbrough last night took his tally for the campaign to 20, 19 in the Championship.
With nine assists to boot, Summerville has marked himself out as one of the best players in the second division. No wonder Leeds are reportedly asking for around £30m to sell him this summer.
Judging by Bamford’s comments, that looks like it could be money well spent.