Since last week’s coup of Argentinian World-Cup Winning midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, Jurgen Klopp’s Reds have shortlisted a few more midfielders to help sort out their woes in the middle of the pitch. This comes after confirmation that 3 key midfielders – James Milner, Naby Keita, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – are leaving the club this month.
Liverpool’s scouting department is looking at a rather long list of central midfielders to bring to Anfield. The list includes OGC Nice’s Khephren Thuram, Borussia Monchengladbach’s Manu Kone, Bayern Munich’s Ryan Gravenberch, Celta Vigo’s Gabri Viega, and Romeo Lavia from Southampton. It is yet to be seen if Liverpool is going to shortlist one player from this list or if they’re going to splash out on two or three of these young talents.
The Reds are yet to make a concrete decision on any of these midfielders. However, reports have emerged that Manu Kone is not being considered as a serious option as Monchengladbach is looking at around €30m to let him go.
Thuram and Viega are the top priorities for Klopp’s Reds. Thuram’s agent Rafaela Pimenta even visited OGC Nice’s headquarters today to talk about a potential transfer to Anfield. The move for the Frenchman is looking the most likely, with Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate talking about how Thuram’s move may strengthen the Reds ahead of the next season.
“I would be very happy for him to come to Liverpool and I would take him under my wing and I would do everything for him to progress and become the player he wants to become” is what Konate said about his compatriot in a press conference held in an interview with RMC. He also added that he considers Thuram to be his “younger brother.”
Along with their midfield exits, club icon Roberto Firmino is also leaving the club this summer. However, with reinforcements in Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo, and Luis Diaz, it is difficult to see the club signing an attacking player this season.
Liverpool will look to bounce back after a below-par season in the league as well as in Europe. The club will be looking to mount a title challenge next season along with trying to capture a Europa League trophy along the way.