Paul Dickov believes Liverpool need to make signings like Darwin Nunez in order to continue competing with Manchester City due to their "ageing squad".
The Reds are on the verge of signing Nunez in a deal that could be worth up to £85m. The 22-year-old striker couldn't fire Benfica to their 38th Primeira Liga title last season as they finished third but he was a standout player, taking home the golden boot after scoring 26 goals in 28 league matches.
Over in England, Pep Guardiola led Man City to their fourth Premier League title in five years, pipping Liverpool on the final day. They achieved that feat without a recognised number nine after failing to replace Sergio Aguero. However, that will be different next season after signing Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland for £55m.
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With Sadio Mane eyeing an Anfield exit and Mohamed Salah's contract saga yet to be resolved, former City striker Dickov believes the business of Luis Diaz, in January, and the impending arrival of Nunez is a step toward replenishing Liverpool's ranks.
"He's only 22, he had a magnificent season last season, it's only one season but I was really impressed when he played against Liverpool (in the Champions League)," the ex-Scotland international told Football Daily. "You look at Mane leaving... Salah, Firmino, they're touching 30, the wrong side of 30 as well, so going forward, I think the signing of Luis Diaz in January... even then you could say it was Liverpool looking to plan forward. I don't think anybody expected him to have the fantastic impact that he did. It's a contingency plan... Salah, Firmino, Origi's left, looks as if Mane's going to go to Bayern Munich."
Dickov continued: "All in all, it looks (Nunez) like a good signing. It's a lot of money for somebody unproven over the last few years. But he's 22 and Jurgen Klopp has not got much wrong in the transfer market. And you look at Liverpool, when they spend big with Alisson and Van Dijk, you've got to say they've got it 100 percent on.
"I would think that would have a little bit to do with it, the fantastic front three is ageing a bit, Klopp has signed a long-term contract... getting younger players in at top-level looking forward for the next three or four years has to be significant for them, they can't afford to fall behind Man City.
"Signing Haaland, Julian Alvarez - who's just won player of the tear in Argentina at the age of 21 - Man City are strengthening the positions they need to but I do think going forward for the future of Liverpool, I do think they need to bring in younger players at the top level with the ageing squad they've got."
