Liverpool midfielder transfer odds: Four potential Thiago back-ups as Klopp considers taking a ‘risk’
Jurgen Klopp has admitted he wants Liverpool to “risk a bit more” when it comes to their transfer strategy this summer, as he continues to look for midfield reinforcements.
The Reds are in the midst of a midfield injury crisis, with Thiago Alcantara, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and Curtis Jones all currently occupying the physio room, while Jordan Henderson, 32, and James Milner, 36, have struggled to showcase consistent title-challenging form.
Given Klopp’s rather extensive casualty list in a position where he deploys three players, the need to bolster before deadline day has taken on a greater significance, with the Liverpool boss even recently admitting that he was “wrong” for previously not wanting to strengthen in the area.
With a little over 24 hours before the window ‘slams shut’, a hive of activity is expected to take place at Kirkby before Big Ben chimes at 11pm. Klopp recently conceded a midfielder has already rejected them for another club, while Brighton boss Graham Potter has shrugged off Moises Caicedo rumours. So where next?
Liverpool legend Dietmar Hamann has advocated for the pursuit of repurposed No. 8 Joelinton to remedy his former club’s issues in the middle of the park — and we could certainly be in for a surprise signing over the course of the next 24 hours, as Klopp contemplates taking a ‘risk’.
“From time to time, I would be ready to risk a bit more but I don’t decide that and that’s fine,” Klopp said.
“We try everything until the deadline.”
Trying and doing are rarely happy bedfellows, but it should certainly be an interesting finish to the window for Koppites. Liverpool are actively on the hunt for central midfielders, and we’ve looked at four potential candidates.
Youri Tielemans
You can get odds of 6/1 with Sky Bet on Youri Tielemans joining Liverpool this summer.
The Leicester City midfielder has just one year left on his current deal at the King Power and has been the subject of interest from several top clubs, not least Arsenal. Neat and nimble in possession with a laser-guided passing accuracy, Tielemans has all the hallmarks of a Klopp tempo-setter. Leicester will be reluctant to sell, but may have their hands tied, with his current deal coming to an end next summer.
Frenkie de Jong
You can get odds of 25/1 with Sky Bet on Frenkie de Jong joining Liverpool this summer.
There must be a temptation for Klopp to test Barcelona’s resolve by lodging a bid for De Jong and potentially bringing him to Anfield, if not exclusively for his footballing ability, then to show arch-rivals Manchester United that they have the greater pulling power. Pursued by the Red Devils all summer, De Jong appeared desperate to do anything but move to Old Trafford. Having already started on the bench in two of Barcelona’s three La Liga games this campaign, he may now feel a move elsewhere would be beneficial to his long-term career.
Ruben Neves
You can get odds of 5/1 with Sky Bet on Ruben Neves joining Liverpool this summer.
A bit like Tielemans, Ruben Neves is a player who, seemingly every transfer window, attracts the attention of the division’s so-called ‘Big Six’. Also a bit like Tielemans, Neves is a distribution virtuoso, capable of executing defence-splitting passes, dictating the speed of a game and retaining possession supremely well. His ball-hogging capabilities, and the occasional penchant for a long-ranged screamer would unquestionably see him thrive in Klopp’s press-and-possess system.
Jude Bellingham
You can get odds of 7/1 with Sky Bet on Jude Bellingham joining Liverpool this summer.
It’s incredible to think that Dortmund’s midfield maestro is still only 19 years of age. The precocious ball-carrier has enjoyed a meteoric rise to the top and he’s showing no discernible signs of slowing down. Bellingham is simply one of those players who would improve any side exponentially; you build your team around him, and not the other way. It would require an eye-watering sum to tempt BVB into letting their latest crown jewel leave the Ruhr Valley, but hey, Klopp did mention about taking a ‘risk’ — and it’s not like they’ve spent hundreds of millions this summer.
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