In the upcoming transfer market, Liverpool requires value for money, and a recommendation from Pep Guardiola could point to a less expensive Mason Mount alternative
With several midfielders leaving Anfield this summer, it is clear that Jürgen Klopp will face a major rebuilding project at Liverpool in the coming transfer window. One Bundesliga player could be an astute replacement for a long-rumored Reds target.
Of course, with long-serving stars such as James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Naby Keta departing Merseyside at the end of the season, it is clear that the Reds’ squad requires investment in the midfield. A number of potential solutions have been floated in recent months, particularly since Liverpool backed out of a potential deal to sign Borussia Dortmund.
One thing is certain: the Merseysiders cannot afford to make the same mistakes they did last summer, when they were forced to regret not drafting alternatives to Aurélien Tchouaméni, who chose to join Real Madrid instead. This costly error can undoubtedly be blamed for a significant portion of the club’s problems this season.
Mason Mount of Chelsea, who is currently negotiating a new contract in West London, is an alternative to Bellingham, who has frequently been mentioned in recent times. For a time, it appeared that the 24-year-old would be wearing a red shirt next season. However, it remains to be seen whether Liverpool will pursue other targets, given reports this week that the Stamford Bridge club may demand up to $99 million (£80 million/€92 million) for his services, according to Football Insider.
With this in mind, it is perhaps unsurprising that the Reds have been linked with a move for a less expensive replacement for the Blues midfielder, with RB Leipzig’s Dani Olmo emerging as a potential ‘target’ for Liverpool this week. According to 90min, scouts from Liverpool, Arsenal, and Newcastle United were present to watch him play as his team defeated Bayern Munich 3-1 over the weekend.
The Spanish international has clearly had admirers among the top echelons of the European game for some time, with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola tipping him for stardom back in 2020. “[Olmo] is a top player — he has a bright future, of course,” he said after a match against Olmo’s former club Dinamo Zagreb.
“His performance today demonstrates this. He is an incredible player, and I am confident he can play in Europe’s top leagues.”
In the intervening years, the former Barcelona youth star has proven Guardiola correct, with a move to Bundesliga side RB Leipzig on the cards later in 2020. Since then, the versatile attacking midfielder has made 127 appearances across all competitions, registering 48 goal involvements (21 goals and 27 assists).
What may be of particular interest to Liverpool is that Olmo has proven his worth in a variety of different roles, which would be an appealing proposition given the number of gaps in Klopp’s squad this summer. He has played centrally nine times this season, while also playing out wide 14 times. Leipzig would not only
According to Transfermarkt, the Catalan ace is valued at $50 million (£35 million/€40 million), making him one of the most cost-effective options on the market this summer. Olmo, like Mount, is currently in a contract dispute with his club and could be available for a bargain price in the coming months, with his current contract set to expire in 2024.
Furthermore, with Jörg Schmadtke’s impending arrival at Anfield, it’s easy to see Liverpool shifting their focus to Olmo. The former Wolfsburg sporting director’s expertise is primarily in the Bundesliga, having worked for a number of clubs in Germany over the last two decades.
In short, with the Reds needing to strengthen in a number of areas during the upcoming transfer window, a deal for Olmo would be good value. The versatile midfielder, who comes highly recommended by Guardiola, would tick many boxes for Liverpool and could prove to be a wise acquisition.
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