Liverpool are interested in signing three central midfielders this summer, with Alexis MacAllister at the top of Jurgen Klopp’s wishlist
Liverpool are prioritizing the signing of Brighton’s Alexis MacAllister, but if the deal is completed, reports suggest they will pursue Borussia Monchengladbach’s Manu Kone. The Reds are now preparing to up the ante in the transfer market after saying goodbye to four Anfield mainstays: Roberto Firmino, James Milner, Naby Keita, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, all of whom will leave at the end of their contracts.
Liverpool must replace three departing midfielders, and a personal terms agreement with World Cup winner Mac Allister is thought to be close.
According to reports, Liverpool are hoping to complete the deal within the next week or so, as they prepare to enter formal negotiations with Brighton over a fee.
Mac Allister sobbed at full-time following Brighton’s final-day defeat at Aston Villa, indicating that he has now played his final game for the Seagulls.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Gladbach coach Kone will be a target once a deal for Mac Allister is completed.
While he only managed one goal and one assist in 30 Bundesliga appearances this season, the 22-year-old is known for his combative style of play and ability to break up opposition attacks.
This is reflected in his disciplinary record, as he has received 22 yellow cards in 57 Bundesliga appearances since joining the club from Toulouse in 2021.
Kone is thought to be available for a fee in the region of £30m to £35m, indicating that he is very much within the Reds’ budget should they reach an agreement with Gladbach.
In recent days, Liverpool has been linked with a number of other central midfielders, including Nice’s Khephren Thuram.
Thuram, like Kone, is French and 22 years old, but he also possesses similar qualities on the field, having starred in Ligue 1 this season.
Due to his industry and technical quality in the middle of the park, he is quickly emerging as one of Europe’s brightest midfield prospects.
Bruno Guimaraes has also been linked with Liverpool in South American media, but the Brazil international is expected to sign a new long-term contract with Newcastle.
Liverpool are also looking to bolster their defense as they prepare to overhaul their midfield ahead of the 2023/24 season.
Jorg Schmadtke, the club’s newly-appointed sporting director, is looking for a central defender as well as potential cover for Trent Alexander-Arnold at right back.
Schmadtke has strong ties to the Bundesliga, having recently left his previous position with Wolfsburg.
The 59-year-old German, who will work closely with Klopp, has taken over for Julian Ward, who has left Anfield after 11 years in various roles.
There could also be departures at Anfield, with Fabio Carvalho one of those facing an uncertain future, despite Liverpool recently rejecting an undisclosed bid from RB Leipzig for the attacking midfielder.
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