Liverpool might not have signed Aurelien Tachouameni. However, he is believed to be in preparation to move to Real Madrid.
After a sensational campaign with Monaco, the France international looks set to join Los Blancos in a deal that could go close to £90million. The Reds can’t compete for that amount of cash when there are other options.
Jurgen Klopp is clearly adamant that midfield needs urgent surgery. The club has not responded to Georginio Wijnaldum and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain seem set to leave. Who could Liverpool look to for help after Tchouameni’s failure?
Silver Screen Beat Sport identified eight midfielders Liverpool could sign in place of Tchouameni.
Jude Bellingham
Borussia Dortmund star Bellingham is the best solution to Liverpool’s midfield woes. He is just 18 years old. He is widely regarded as one of world’s best young players and continues to improve in the Bundesliga, where Bellingham is a key player for Der BVB.
It is only a matter time before he becomes a regular for Gareth Southgate’s England team. A move to the Premier League is possible with Manchester United or Chelsea also interested. Dortmund aren’t in the market to sell this year, but a departure could happen next summer.
Gavi
Liverpool have been watching Gavi closely this year, following his brilliant year at Barcelona. The wonderkid’s current contract contains a release clause of just £42million, meaning he could be affordable for the Reds.
According to recent reports, talks between Blaugrana’s 17-year old and Blaugrana are now improving. This suggests that a new deal could be in the offing. However, the Reds will still be available if these topsy-turvy talks go south once again.
Mason Mount
(Image by GLYN KIRK/Getty Image)
Although it would be a remarkable thing for Chelsea to lose Mount to a Premier League opponent, the fact that Liverpool or United are interested in Mount suggests that this could be possible. The England international has yet not signed a new contract since he joined the Blues as a key player.
Klopp would love to have a player who has Mount’s energy and play in midfield. However, Stamford Bridge’s new owners made it a priority to open negotiations with the 23 year-old. It would be interesting to see if Mount, a Chelsea academy graduate, could see himself in red.
Kalvin Phillips
Although Leeds United managed to avoid relegation in a narrow manner, they may have had to admit that Phillips is leaving. Liverpool and Manchester City are both interested in Phillips as a midfielder.
It is clear why. Phillips is a solid player and has an eye for passing, something that is rare in the Premier League. Phillips may be sad to leave his boyhood club but moving up might be the best thing for his career.
Yves Bissouma
Liverpool were heavily linked to the Brighton star last season and could revive interest after their failed attempt at signing Tchouameni. The stock of the Mali international has only increased and is now on the shortlist for most Premier League clubs.
Although Bissouma is still in the minority, it is possible to expect more interest for the midfielder. Liverpool could be considered the most desirable location as they offer the possibility of winning the top trophies on an ongoing basis.
Declan Rice
West Ham have always been keen to retain Rice, but news that he won’t sign a new deal has alerted many clubs. United and Chelsea were both hugely interested in the two-year-old.
However, the Hammers have been steadily ramping up their valuation of the England international and the latest reports indicate that could be as high as £150m. It would be impossible for anyone to accept this – effectively ruling out a transfer. But Rice might push for a change.
Ibrahim Sangare
(Image: Getty Images).
Ibrahim Sangare from PSV Eindhoven is also being linked to Liverpool, while the 24-year old has been linked to United, Arsenal, and Chelsea. Many have compared his finest attributes to Tchouameni’s. It has been an excellent year for the Eredivisie midfielder.
It is not easy to assess the differences in quality between Premier League and top-flight in Netherlands. Recent examples raise concern. Donny van der Beek was a star player for Ajax, but was marginalised by United.
Youri Tielemans
Tielemans is the one player who looks set to leave this summer. He told Leicester he would not sign a contract extension. Arsenal is the best placed to capitalize, but Liverpool would be foolish to not get involved.
The star Belgian international, who spent three years at King Power, has blossomed into a star in the Premier League and is a fan favourite at Anfield.
