Updated 16 Aug 2023 12:37 pm:
Liverpool have missed two of their primary targets in the last week. Both Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia have opted to move to Stamford Bridge as opposed to Anfield this summer, leaving Liverpool with work to do in filling a glaring void in their number 6 position.
With only 2 and a half weeks remaining of the transfer window, Klopp and his charges have an unenviable task of finding suitable quality, availability and affordability, maliciously hand-in-hand with a desperate need to address.
Liverpool’s problems in the middle of the park were an issue last season, and the club felt this had been suitably countered with the acquisitions of both Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai from Brighton and Red Bull Leipzig, respectively. However, the departures of club Captain, Jordan Henderson and Brazilian Fabinho to the Saudi League, have left the club with further work, unexpected work in an area of the pitch they felt had been completed.
On Thursday of last week, Liverpool agreed on a deal, when bidding in a deadline-capped auction, for Moises Caicedo, The Brighton midfielder, for a deal believed to be worth £111 million. This resulted in the player deciding that he was unsure of moving to Merseyside and instead was desperate to sign for Chelsea.
Sunday evening then saw Liverpool, reportedly agree to a £60 million deal with Southampton for Romeo Lavia, the Belgian midfielder who had long been of interest and subject of 3 prior failed bids. However, Liverpool had previously dithered, this saw Southampton and Joe Shields renew communication, and find a deal, believed to be £52 + 3 million. Groundwork was then done with Lavia’s reps and the player himself, seeing the player opt for Chelsea on Monday evening, with a medical now expected to take place shortly. So, back to the drawing board for Liverpool. Liverpool have long been close observers of the midfield market, and plenty of work has been done on varying scopes of player. So here we take a look at a few options.
Khephren Thuram
The French midfielder, and son of French legend Lillian, has been the subject of a great deal of interest from Liverpool in the French U21 international. Thuram was part of the Monaco youth development programme in 2016 before making his senior debut there during the 2018/19 season. The French international then moved to Nice in 2019 but only became a regular member of the side in the 2020/21 campaign. Liverpool had been long-term admirers of the Frenchman, however, a deal never materialized, with a reported fee of £50 million being deemed a little steep.
Thuram has long wanted a move to PSG and had hoped a deal would happen this summer, however, the French giants have not made any move for him. It remains to be seen whether Thuram opts to sit tight and hope for his “Dream” move or look at a few options that presented themselves, in the shape of Manchester United and Juventus. Liverpool could well look to reignite a formal interest, with our understanding he has again been mentioned within the club. Whilst initially considered a Tall attack-minded midfielder, Thuram’s defensive game has excelled.
Ibrahim Sangare
Ivory Coast and PSV Eindhoven Defensive midfielder, Ibrahim Sangare, is a player that has recently been linked with a move to Liverpool. The 25-year-old Ivorian has seemingly split opinion in Holland, with many appreciating his ability to break up play and his endeavour, however, many bemoan his apparent lack of technical quality. With a release clause of circa £32 million, would he be a worthy option?
Andre Trindade
22-year-old Andre Trindade of Fluminense is considered the backbone of Fernando Diniz’s side. The Brazilian is an extremely well-balanced midfielder. A superb decision-maker when in possession of the ball, maximising his short and long passing ability, also being incredibly efficient whilst transitioning in possession of the ball, and being a superb dribbler.
Whilst out of possession, Andre is phenomenal at his pressing game, fearless in a tackle, an all-round intense midfielder. Liverpool have been credited with a strong interest in the Brazilian this window, with talks being held with his club. It could well prove tricky to attain his services this window, however, everybody has a price, right?
Manu Kone
Another name that has been linked with Liverpool throughout the summer window. The French U21 International, joined Monchengladbach in the summer of 2021 with his combative style of play, making him a popular figure in Germany. At 6ft 1”, he makes for a dominant figure in the midfield but possesses wonderful agility and pace, a good passer of the ball, Kone is also highly regarded for his work ethic in the engine room.
Easy to see why Liverpool could well cast an eye over the young Frenchman. Following an injury suffered at the U21 Championships, Kone has recently returned to training, along with it, links to Liverpool. With an alleged figure of £40 million on his head, would he be worth a shot?
Cheick Doucoure
Crystal Palace’s Malian International, Cheick Doucoure, has been credited with interest from Liverpool. The 23-year-old has enjoyed a fantastic debut season with the Eagles which has seen plenty of adoring eyes point his way from across Europe. Doucoure is an incredibly hard-working midfielder, covering vast areas of the pitch, in both defensive and attacking areas.
He is a master of breaking up play, with his wonderful defensive awareness and anticipation. Given his age, ability and now premier league-proven ability, it would likely take a pretty penny to even get Crystal Palace to the table, however, could be worth a conversation.
Palhinha
Fulham’s 28-year-old Palhinha. A real stand-out performer for the Cottagers last season. Following his £20 million move to Craven Cottage from Sporting Lisbon, the Portuguese proved a revelation in the midfield. Marking his debut with an impressive display with his now admirers, Liverpool. A combative player, with a good eye for a pass could prove exactly what Klopp wants at Anfield, however, with Palhinha’s huge importance to Fulham, a fee has been mooted of £90 million, which would go against Liverpool’s typical recruitment strategy, when factoring in his age of 28. Should Liverpool bite the bullet?
These are a few options Liverpool could well consider over the coming fortnight. The number 6 slot is a glaring issue, currently and one the club will be determined to not be left unaddressed.
Very Interesting times ahead for the Reds, with the Deadline eeking closer, every second counts.
Jamie Brown
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