Jurgen Klopp will surely need to strengthen his Liverpool squad in the summer if they are to be competitive all fronts next season.
While the Reds are blessed with several world-class players in Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane, they are yet to turn promise into silverware.
Liverpool suffered just two defeats during the 2016 part of the campaign – a run that could have seen them end their 27-year wait for a league title had it continued into 2017.
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Klopp watched his side unravel in the new year and won just four matches in all competitions until the end of March.
But Liverpool have regained their composure to assure their position in the race for Champions League qualification, with a point between themselves and fourth-placed Manchester City.
The Anfield outfit now have their fate in their own hands, and club legend Robbie Fowler believes returning to Europe’s elite competition would be a huge step forward.
However, writing in his column for the Mirror, the 42-year-old has made a controversial suggestion regarding who Klopp should add to his squad this summer – Romelu Lukaku.
“If the Reds can win their next four games, then they will be in the Champions League, I’m sure. And that will let them attract some top players.
“I know it sounds mad, but I’m convinced that Lukaku should be one of them.”
While it seems a bit far-fetched to imagine the Belgian crossing Stanley Park, Fowler makes a good case as to why he is the man Liverpool need this summer.
“Manchester United and City, Chelsea and Spurs have that central striker who can ask different questions of the smaller clubs.
“Chelsea have been magnificent at it, and Diego Costa has played a massive role. They know that around two-thirds of the Premier League games will be against sides with a negative mindset and formation.
“With Costa, with Harry Kane, Sergio Aguero, even Zlatan Ibrahimovic, you can be patient and ask the central striker to keep pushing up against the defensive back line, to get off the shoulder in just a yard of space.
“Lukaku doesn’t have quite the attributes to play the pressing game demanded by Klopp, but he does stay up there and asks constant questions of teams who defend deep.”
Firmino has emerged as Klopp’s best option up front this season and while his form warrants his continued selection, one could argue he lacks the goalscoring instincts of a natural striker.
But the deadly trio of the Brazilian, Mane and Coutinho have collectively chalked up 34 Premier League goals for the highest-scoring team in the division – so is there even a problem?