Liverpool are interested in Florian Wirtz and have been monitoring Dean Huijsen - and that says much about what is likely to happen in the transfer market this summer
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Liverpool targets Florian Wirtz and Dean Huijsen
One glance at the yawning gap between Liverpool and the rest of the Premier League is all that is required. In terms of domestic on-field dominance, nobody has been able to hold a candle to Arne Slot's side this season.
But the moment a record-equalling 20th championship was secured almost three weeks ago with victory over Tottenham Hotspur on a memorable Anfield afternoon, concentration immediately focused on how Liverpool can be best equipped to go ahead of Manchester United on their own as the most successful club in England's top flight.
And the new arena for battle concerns the scrap to reinforce the squad during the summer transfer window.
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For Slot, there is no doubt being Premier League champions will act as a significant lure, proof to any potential suitors they would be joining a winning squad and are valued such that they can bolster the options available.
In that regard, Liverpool are better placed than they were when last title winners in 2020. The Reds' consistency over several years made it difficult to pinpoint players of the required standard and price point that could improve the personnel.
For a variety of reasons, that isn't quite as much a problem this time around, with there some clear areas of the team where Liverpool can take obvious steps in their development.
"It definitely helps to attract new players," said Slot earlier this month on the status of being Premier League winners.
"Because mostly the players that we want to have, we are not the only clubs who think they are good players, so these players have probably more options. And then it helps maybe for them to see that the way we do things over here is special, I think you can say that."
The best players, then, know Liverpool is now a viable destination. And so often when attempting to persuade players to join, perception is hugely influential.
That's why a positive can be taken even from pursuits that do not appear immediately favourable for the Reds.
Take the interest in Florian Wirtz. Liverpool are long-time admirers of the attacking midfielder and, along with Premier League rivals Manchester City, have made known their interest to the 22-year-old and his parents.
The expectation at present, though, is Bayern Munich will be the Germany international's most likely destination should he opt to leave Leverkusen.
Then there is Bournemouth's 20-year-old defender Dean Huijsen. Liverpool are keen on the player, but it is understood Real Madrid are favourites to sign the Spain international, with Chelsea a more likely next club should he instead opt to stay in the Premier League.
Frustration, then, seems likely for Liverpool with the duo. But there was a time when the Reds simply weren't in the conversation for these players. The show of ambition won't have passed unnoticed when they attempt to persuade other transfer targets.
Of course, interest in Wirtz and Huijsen also reveals much about Liverpool's transfer strategy over the coming windows.
The pursuit of Jeremie Frimpong - the Reds are in talks with the 24-year-old Holland international with the player having a £30million release clause at Bayer Leverkusen - is wholly understandable given the imminent departure of first-choice right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer. Alexander-Arnold is expected to join Real Madrid.
That Liverpool have contacted Wirtz confirms they are looking to improve their creative options, with the Leverkusen man's versatility meaning he has the potential to be tweaked into a false nine as well as operating in his accustomed attacking midfield role.
And the monitoring of Huijsen suggests the Reds are keeping an open mind over their centre-back options, given doubts persist over the long-term future of Ibrahima Konate with the player about to enter the last 12 months of his current deal. Liverpool are likely to have their resolve over Jarell Quansah tested this summer, while Joe Gomez was similarly courted last year.
Wirtz and Huijsen may ultimately end up elsewhere this summer. But Liverpool's interest points towards areas in the team where supporters can expect new arrivals in the coming months.