Liverpool has kept its transfer options open since signing Alexis MacAllister, but Jürgen Klopp will want to step things up soon
Liverpool’s transfer dealings had been done at this time last year. When Alexis Mac Allister arrived early this summer, it appeared to be more of the same back-to-back arrivals, but there has been no more movement as of yet.
It is nothing to be concerned about. After all, by completing the Mac Allister deal, Liverpool remains a Premier League outlier, with only a small number of deals agreed upon across the division thus far. That’s not surprising given that the international transfer window is still closed for another week and a half.
While there have been no further tangible developments, it appears that Liverpool has several irons in the fire. The links that have emerged indicate that Jürgen Klopp wants to bring in at least one more new midfielder, with Khéphren Thuram, Manu Koné, and Gabri Veiga all being mentioned recently.
David Lynch stated on the Football Insider YouTube channel that terms have been negotiated with all three of these players:
“The midfield situation right now is very much like Liverpool assessing their options.” I believe there was a genuine desire to beat Alexis MacAllister – there was interest from throughout the Premier League, and that clause existed, so there was going to be stiff rivalry.
“They knew what their alternatives were after that… Perhaps younger players who aren’t quite completed, so they needed to take a step back and examine what’s next. This procedure is underway.
“We know there are talks with players — we know Liverpool knows exactly what Khéphren Thuram wants to earn if he comes to Anfield, and the same for Manu Koné and Gabri Veiga.” Those contacts are in place, and Liverpool is well-aware of the packages.”
Lynch went on to say that he was unaware of any serious conversations with the various teams at the moment, but because Veiga has a release clause, neither of the other names are out of the running. Overall, the picture paints a picture of Liverpool still undecided.
Even if the transfer window remains open until September 1, Klopp’s thoughts will definitely be racing. Liverpool has its own soft ‘deadline’ of July 8, with the manager stating that he wants to work with his players for the entire pre-season (though it should be remembered that certain players who have been away on international duty will return later).
Klopp has been emphasizing the importance of the upcoming preseason since April. He described the club’s plans to the Guardian:
“We must take the initiative. We have to prepare for that throughout the preseason, which is why I want [the players] back together as soon as possible while recognizing the need for vacation.”
If that is true for existing players, it is certain that the requirement is even greater for new players, who have even more acclimating to accomplish. With the initial group reconvening in just 17 days and those on international duty following three days later, some transfer progress would be extremely nice.
That’s not to imply Liverpool’s decision is simple. Clearly, it has narrowed down the profile it is looking for: Thuram, Koné, and Veiga are all between the ages of 21 and 22, have somewhat compatible skill sets, and are all expected to fill one of the number eight posts. There are no obvious standout alternatives on the shortlist.
However, sitting and waiting will not make the decision any easier, and Liverpool may simply need to take the plunge soon. Of course, not everything is under the club’s hands, with Lynch claiming that Nice is waiting for a potential bidding war over Thuram. There’s also the question of whether Ryan Gravenberch will become available.
Fortunately, transfer correspondent Fraser Fletcher told Lynch that once a decision is made, a deal will be struck quickly:
“These are moves that Liverpool could make fast if they chose to… If it was that vital, and Liverpool truly felt under pressure, most likely from more sharks in the water, they would have had them done by now. “I believe they are quite confident and at ease.”
Klopp will be hoping for the best. This is an important rebuilding phase for Liverpool, and it cannot be rushed, but more movement would be welcome shortly as the manager prepares a quick start to build on an unbeaten streak of 11 games.
Leave a Reply