Liverpool's future could be a bright one if the club continues to recruit young talent. The acquisition of Victor Munoz from Osasuna suggests the Reds are looking to inject young blood into the squad. The 22-year-old Spanish winger will be Andoni Iraola's first signing as manager and signifies Liverpool's intention to bring down the average age of a squad that currently sits at 26.1.
Young Talent Influx
The club's transfer activity has seen them linked with a series of youngsters. Rumours surrounding 19-year-old Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande and 18-year-old Moroccan star Ayyoub Bouadda demonstrate further that Liverpool are looking to build something of a young dynasty.
So, how will the club's dream first XI look in years to come? There is that £120 million worth of talent already at the club in Munoz, Giovanni Leoni, and Jeremy Jacquet, who will feature heavily.
Goalkeeping Situation
Alisson, now 33, is expected to depart after his contract expires next season. Liverpool will be at a crossroads regarding who stands between the sticks. While Giorgi Mamardashvili has deputised this season, the Reds should look to bring Caoimhin Kelleher back to the club. Kelleher, 27, was sold to Brentford last summer, but Liverpool will need a goalkeeper with experience of the biggest occasions and who knows Anfield well. The fact that the Republic of Ireland international has only improved since his move makes a reunion seem obvious.
Defensive Line
Leoni, 19, joined from Parma last summer for £26 million but suffered a nasty ACL injury in his first-ever start. He will only come back stronger and will take his place in the Reds' back four. The capture of French centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, 20, from Rennes in January for £60 million also represents smart succession planning as the club prepares to replace captain Virgil van Dijk, who will turn 35 this summer. The duo also plug the gap left by Ibrahima Konate, who departed this month.
At right-back, Conor Bradley, 22, deserves a chance to prove himself upon returning from a long lay-off. Milos Kerkez, also 22, will drop in at left-back and will only benefit from linking up with Iraola once again following their time together at Bournemouth.
Midfield Reinforcements
The midfield has been a conundrum for Liverpool this season. Centrally, Liverpool should move for 22-year-old Adam Wharton from Crystal Palace, who will operate as an enforcer, protecting the back four and giving them their first proper No. 6 since Fabinho. Florian Wirtz, who is still only 23, will have a free role but can also tuck in when required. His talent is simply too great to leave out.
Attacking Options
The addition of Munoz will give Iraola pace and versatility as he slots into the left wing. On the right is Rio Ngumoha, with the 17-year-old undoubtedly one of the most exciting talents in the Premier League. While Diomande could well be an alternative for either wing, the £100 million plus price tag being quoted by RB Leipzig means the Reds may simply let Munoz and Ngumoha thrive on the flanks instead.
Up front speaks for itself. The deadly duo of Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak is yet to ignite thanks to injuries, but with the former only 23 and Isak only 26, they could front Liverpool's attack for another five seasons and still be in their pomp.
Liverpool's dream future XI: Caoimhin Kelleher; Milos Kerkez, Geovanni Leoni, Jeremy Jacquet, Conor Bradley; Adam Wharton, Florian Wirtz, Victor Munoz, Rio Ngumoha; Hugo Ekitike, Alexander Isak.
