Liverpool are heading into the summer transfer window with a clear idea over what they need to do.
The Reds are in good shape following the end of Jurgen Klopp’s reign as manager, but still require some small adjustments.
In order to give Arne Slot the best chance of success as possible, Liverpool should be doing everything they can to plug the holes in the current squad.
The obvious area that needs improvement is at centre-back. And with the Reds said to be making this a priority, that looks set to be boxed off before the new season starts.
As well as shoring up the back line though, Liverpool should look to bring in someone to help out a little more just in front of the defence. A new defensive midfielder would be wonderful. And with that in mind, journalist Fabrizio Romano may have just given the Reds a golden opportunity.
Liverpool given Youssouf Fofana chance
It was obvious last year that Liverpool were going to have to find themselves a new, long-term defensive midfielder at some stage in the near future.
With Fabinho gone, the Reds went and signed Wataru Endo, who has had a good season. But Endo is not an elite option and will turn 32 during next season.
Stefan Bajcetic could be the answer, but having spent near enough the whole campaign out injured, the 19-year-old’s workload has to be managed.
So, we think Liverpool have to dip into the market. They did look hard 12 months ago, with Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana a name reportedly on their shortlist. One year on, and Romano says the 25-year-old could now be available at a bargain price.
“Monaco have hinted that Youssouf Fofana could be a name to leave the club this summer, but it’s still early to know for sure where he could go and for what kind of price,” the reporter says in his Daily Briefing.
“My understanding is that Monaco will communicate the asking price for Fofana in one or two weeks – I think he could be available around €20m [£17m] but that’s just my opinion.”
Liverpool should sign Youssouf Fofana
Fofana looks primed to take his game up a level next season. Now 25, he is established as one of the best midfielders in France.
Indeed, in a recent report hailing Monaco’s second-placed finish, The Guardian claim that Fofana is ‘in the form of his life’ right now.
With 17 caps, the former Strasbourg player is also an established France international. He’s once again in Didier Deschamps squad for this summer’s Euros.
It’s simply unheard of that a player with such pedigree would be available for a bargain-basement price. Liverpool have got to be all over it.
Some might argue that Fofana is not quite a natural defensive midfield. But to our eye, it’s a role he could very much play, while adding impressive box-to-box elements, too. Sign him up.