Jürgen Klopp is reportedly looking for a midfielder to replace David Silva, and a new name has been mentioned as a possible target
Liverpool looks set to compete in the Europa League next season, and significant changes are required within Jürgen Klopp’s squad, particularly in the center of the pitch.
Liverpool will need to be active in the market and there is an acceptance that investment is required, having said goodbye to four players already and with more exits possible over the next couple of months.
That means a number of players are being linked with moves to Anfield, even if Alexis MacAllister, Mason Mount, and Ryan Gravenberch are among the most heavily considered.
If those main targets are not acquired, Liverpool will be forced to look elsewhere for reinforcements, with bodies needed to replace some of those who are leaving.
What criteria will be used? The most important factor is availability, but more creative options who fit more naturally into attacking number eight roles than Jordan Henderson will also be prioritized.
Here is the Liverpool.com verdict on the transfer rumor that has been circulating around the club today, with two impressive midfield options in the mix.
Feyenoord Kökçü (Orkun Kökçü)
According to Football Transfers, Liverpool has put 22-year-old Feyenoord star Orkun Kökçü on its summer transfer shortlist, with the exciting talent joining Mac Allister as another option for the Reds.
Kökçü has scored 12 goals and provided five assists in 44 appearances for the Dutch national team this season. In terms of profile, he is an all-rounder in the mold of Mac Allister.
Liverpool.com’s Josh Williams recently stated on the Analyzing Anfield podcast: “StatsBomb have a metric called the doppelganger metric and someone asked who is the most similar U23 to current David Silva.” This young man was found to be the second-most similar to Pedri of Barcelona.”
According to Liverpool.com, the Reds should not require back-up options for their first-choice targets, but unlike last summer, it will not be one man or no one. If Mac Allister cannot be brought in, the Liverpool midfield will be filled by someone else.
Tijjani Reijnders, another Dutch player who Liverpool is rumored to be interested in, is slightly older than Kökçü at 24, but has also had an impressive season.
Reijnders has been at Alkmaar since 2017, but has only recently become a first-team regular, according to Football Transfers. He has made 124 senior appearances to date. He is also said to be a Liverpool transfer ‘option’.
According to Liverpool.com, while Reijnders may be on the club’s radar, there are more proven options higher up the priority list. Liverpool needs guarantees this summer, and while both of these players are very good, someone like Mac Allister, who has already played in the Premier League, would almost certainly require less time to adapt.
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