Merson urges Liverpool to sign ‘different’ star who ‘ticks all boxes’ for title challenge
Paul Merson feels Liverpool should entertain the idea of signing a forward like Wolves ace Raul Jimenez in the January transfer window.
The Reds are currently embroiled in a battle for the Premier League title. It is a three-horse race between the Merseysiders, table-topping Manchester City and third-place Chelsea. Jurgen Klopp’s men won six straight top-flight games before drawing 2-2 with Tottenham.
They are just three points behind Pep Guardiola’s champions but cannot afford any slip-ups, with the Citizens also in scintillating form. However, things will get tougher in January.
Star forwards Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane will be away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations. Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino will still be on hand, while Divock Origi is available to step in.
But former Arsenal and England star Merson believes Klopp needs to make a move and look to the West Midlands.
“Liverpool need to sign a centre forward like Raul Jimenez in January – and not just as cover for the African Nations Cup either,” he wrote in The Daily Star. “They need someone to come in while Sadio Mane and Mo Salah are away, yes. But I think they need someone for the future too.
“They need a player who can put pressure on the front three and help them win league titles consistently for the next few years. It’s no good coming second for the next five years.”
And the Sky Sports pundit feels Wolves’ talisman would be the right fit.
“Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino are very good players but I still think they need a proper centre forward and if they brought in Jimenez he would play,” he added.
“He wouldn’t need to play every week but he would get game time. Liverpool play so many games a season, and he could give them something different.”
Jimenez has right temperament for fringe role
There is no question that Salah and Mane are vital to Liverpool’s cause. Salah has been labelled as the world’s best player on current form.
And it is hard to argue against that moniker. But Merson is adamant that Jimenez could do a decent back-up job.
“He’s a bigger version of Firmino who scores more goals,” he continued. “He can come short and has that vision. And he has played with Jota enough times at Wolves.
“I think he ticks the boxes. I think it’s a nice signing that. He would come in and not kick up a stink if he isn’t playing every week. That’s what they need.”
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