Liverpool could be set to sign another version of Philippe Coutinho this summer. That is according to the former Reds and England striker Emile Heskey.
Arne Slot's side won the Premier League title last season but is now keen to double down on its success. And it is currently in talks to snap up the Germany playmaker Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen in what would be a major statement of intent.
"When you look at a player, in general, you gravitate to players who you have already seen wear the red shirt, and for me, he looks a bit like Coutinho — those pockets he can pick up and how he can turn," Heskey told Liverpool.com. "He scores exciting goals — not just tap-ins — and that is what you want. It is fantastic for the club and for the supporters as well."
There has been some debate about whether Wirtz would be viewed as a number 10 or a false nine, with an obvious knock-on impact on what Liverpool might do in the market if his signature can be secured.
"He could play as a 10 or as a false nine, and we have seen teams do that before," Heskey said. "Liverpool have got wingers who stay very high and wide, which is great as well.
"Someone like Wirtz can give you something different, but it is horses for courses as well. You might need someone to draw defenders out, and then you don't need a number nine who sits on the last defender.
"You need players who make defenders think, 'Do I really want to go in there and mark him?'. Another number 10 would be helpful, and in that free role where he can pick up the ball, he seems very comfortable.
Liverpool continue to hold talks with Bayer Leverkusen in an attempt to sign Florian Wirtz this summer.
"It's brilliant that Liverpool can do business at £100 million plus. A lot of the time, clubs do business when it gets towards the end of the transfer window and everyone is flapping, but they have done their business, rather than getting into a full-on battle.
"It's a testament to Wirtz that he wants to challenge himself in another league — arguably the biggest league in the world. He's seen some of his fellow countrymen do it before, and it's great that he is coming to Liverpool.
"It's great that a manager has the pull. Generally, when you speak to managers as a player, they sell you a vision. They sell you the plan and the club, in the sense of where it is going.
"It is great that Arne Slot could do that and sell him the project. Everyone loves what Liverpool is, but this is what we want from you, and this is how it looks. If a manager is good enough at doing that, you're selling a vision to the player that he can see himself."
Wirtz scored for Germany midweek and will play in the third-place play-off in the UEFA Nations League on Sunday. If he does join Liverpool, pre-season will begin in the second week of July — by which time the Reds' roster could look a little different.
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"I'd keep Cody Gakpo because when you're playing that many games, you need a big squad," Heskey added. "His goals have been pivotal to Liverpool winning the league — you can't just rely on one player, Mo Salah.
"When he isn't scoring, who else is going to be there? Without Sadio Mane, without Roberto Firmino, Gakpo has to be given the opportunity to step up.
"Luis Diaz, I would like to see stay, but everyone has a value. What is the asking price? If it is a reasonable price — as in, you can go back into the market — he is 28 now as well.
"When you are looking at players and you bring them in at a certain age, you have a certain value. I think for Diaz, I think if you can get a decent return, it is something you have got to look at. I do like him — there are not many forwards who can run in behind.
"Darwin Nunez needs to play football. He won't play that much at Liverpool, so I think he'll be going. I like him because his work rate is immense and he never shirks that running and tackling.
"Defending starts up front, being intense. When you go, you go with intent. He has got a fantastic work ethic, but when you're up front for Liverpool, it is the goals that you score and create. He has fallen short of what was expected, and what was there before."
Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez celebrate with the Premier League trophy as Liverpool are crowned champions
Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez celebrate with the Premier League trophy as Liverpool are crowned champions (Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Whoever stays or comes in, the aim for Liverpool will be to win the league title again next season. But Heskey is expecting the race to be much closer next time around.
"I think both Arsenal and Manchester City can challenge next season, and I’d throw Chelsea in there as well," Heskey, speaking on behalf of Poker Scout, continued.
"Chelsea because I think you watch them play, and think they have something with that young core of players. The consistency isn’t there but if they get that, they can challenge.
"I think all four can challenge and it would be great to see that, rather than one team running away with it. It would be great to see a bit of a tussle and a fight.
"Man City are going through a bit of a transition but I always believe they are going to be in there. I’m not sure if they will be, but it’s the Pep Guardiola effect. They have to change a lot of things and next season they will hope to not have as many injuries, like they did.
"Arsenal had a really good season but they drew too many games. They don’t have an established forward and they need to go into the market for that, but Mikel Arteta has built something that is ready to really challenge.
"They are there or thereabouts and they will look at it, especially with the injuries they had, and saying ‘next season will be our season’. Everyone will be saying that, which is great for the league as well. I think it will be a close tussle."