Whilst the sporting market climate continues to be affected by the current global crisis, it looks more and more unlikely that clubs will be able to splurge on the transfer targets they had in mind this summer.

According to a recent report by Transfermarkt, player values have dropped by up to 20%, which could impact the way teams go about their summer business.

If spending big, or even at all, is not an option in the upcoming window then clubs may need to turn to their youth ranks in order to provide depth for the senior players next season.

Earlier this month it was being reported that Liverpool were close to signing Timo Werner (SPORT via Sport Witness), but in case the move cannot be completed, we have put together a list of youngsters the Reds should turn to if they're unable to spend big this summer...

Curtis Jones

Not only has the 19-year-old already impressed during his time with the first team, but he's a Merseyside local. The passion found in a player who is wearing the shirt of his boyhood club is like no other, and given the chance to prove himself, Curtis Jones won't let his side down.

The youngster will more than likely be Liverpool's first choice player if they are to look into the youth ranks and select a player they can rely on. Jones is an extremely versatile attacker who can play across the midfield, on the left-wing and up front. He currently has nine goals and five assists in the U23s Premier League, not forgetting his superb performance in the FA Cup.

When Neil Critcheley was left in charge to field a youthful XI against Shrewsbury, Jones scored the opening goal at Montgomery Waters Meadow. In the reverse fixture, he wore the captain's armband and led his side to a win which took them into the next round.

The 19-year-old also scored the lone winning goal against Everton in the FA Cup third round, already pegging himself as a Merseyside derby hero.

Yasser Larouci

Liverpool are stretched rather thin across the back four, especially in the left-back position. Since Alberto Moreno left the club in 2019, the Reds have had no recognised back-up for Andy Robertson.

James Milner proved he can adapt well in a defensive role after he spent the entire 2016/17 season at left-back, but he later admitted playing in midfield is his preferred position.

Yasser Larouci has been composed at left-back when called upon, keeping a clean sheet for the senior squad against a strong Everton side in the FA Cup. Granted, the 19-year-old still has room for improvement but the Reds are in real need of cover for Robertson. Larouci could also learn a lot along the way by training alongside Virgil van Dijk and fellow academy-riser Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Neco Williams

The promising young right-back could be exactly what Jurgen Klopp needs as an understudy to Alexander-Arnold. Neco Williams was given the chance to prove himself on the big stage in this season's FA Cup, and he did not disappoint.

The Welshman helped Liverpool's senior side grind out a result against Shrewsbury in their first meeting, as well as keeping a clean sheet in the second leg and in the previous round against Everton. Williams has also provided seven assists across all competitions this campaign, likening him very much indeed to Alexander-Arnold, who also famously likes to joint the attack.

The 19-year-old's overall goal contribution tally (10) is more than senior players like Georginio Wijnaldum who has been involved in just five goals this season. The addition of Williams to the first team would benefit Klopp's side in more ways than one.

Ki-Jana Hoever

Although he hasn't seen much of the first team this season, Ki-Jana Hoever impressed last campaign after he was viewed as the 'next Virgil van Dijk'.

With Nathaniel Clyne and Dejan Lovren likely to be leaving Anfield, Liverpool's defensive options are about to be stretched even thinner. Hoever's versatility across the back four will give the Reds the back-up they desperately need as they look to keep challenging for silverware.

The young Dutchman can occupy both the right-back and centre-back position which will not only add depth, but more chances to play in cup fixtures could present themselves.

Paul Glatzel

With Divock Origi the only tried-and-tested forward back-up option and Rhian Brewster on loan, it's imperative that Klopp's front three stay fit. But of course, accidents happen and even without an injury, fatigue from so many fixtures could set in and leave Liverpool with only one man to turn to.

That is, unless they look through their youth ranks and opt to give this young man a chance. When Bobby Duncan was still with the Reds, he and Paul Glatzel dominated the reserve league, both putting themselves firmly on Klopp’s radar.

The Englishman – who represents Germany on the international stage – has tallied an impressive 23 goals and five assists this season. Although he has been featuring mainly for the U18s, Glatzel has a lot of promise and could seriously benefit from training alongside the seniors. As a Liverpool native, his desire will be fiery in his belly to play for the club’s first team so the opportunity will not be squandered if given to him.