Liverpool backed to sign second version of big-money failure despite being labelled a ‘poor man’s Wijnaldum’
Liverpool have been tipped to pull off a “great move” for a LaLiga midfielder formerly of Arsenal who’s dubiously been termed a “poor man’s Wijlandum.”
Midfield additions will be the order of the day at Anfield next year. Jude Bellingham is the club’s primary target and by all accounts, they’re on pole position at present.
However, with uncertainty surrounding so many of their current stars, Jurgen Klopp may be forced into signing two or even three new faces.
Indeed, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner are all out of contract in the summer. There’s an option to buy in Arthur Melo’s loan deal from Juventus worth around £32.5m, though it’s unlikely to be triggered.
Up to four midfielders could realistically depart, something that’s spawning mass links to stars not named Bellingham.
The likes of Enzo Fernandez, Sofyan Amrabat, Youri Tielemans, Weston McKennie, Moises Caicedo and Yunus Musah have all been linked.
The latter, 20, shone for the USA in Qatar and despite his young age, has already racked up over 100 senior appearances for club and country.
The central midfielder was formerly on Arsenal’s books as a youth team player between 2012-19. Musah moved to LaLiga side Valencia in 2019 and has since established himself as a regular starter.
The Gunners have been mentioned alongside bringing Musah back to north London. Reports out of Italy recently claimed Arsenal had seen an unspecified offer to re-sign Musah knocked back.
90min put Liverpool in the frame when claiming they’d contacted the American’s representatives. His contract at Valencia contains an almighty €100million (approx. £87m) release clause, though a figure that high won’t be needed.
The Mirror report Valencia will quote any and all potential suitors a much more modest €20m (£17m). What’s more, the newspaper carry quotes from a former USMNT international who’s thrown his backing behind a Musah move to Anfield.
Eric Wynalda racked up 106 appearances for his country and at the time of his retirement from international football, was America’s all-time leading scorer with 34 goals.
Via the Mirror, Wynalda claimed he’s been told Liverpool are mulling a move. Furthermore, he suggested Klopp views Musah as the second coming of Naby Keita.
“Poor man’s Wijnaldum”, but Musah could scratch Klopp itch
The 27-year-old Keita arrived with a big reputation in 2018 after Liverpool splashed out £52.75m to RB Leipzig. Under no circumstances can that move be deemed a success for Liverpool, and Wynalda reckons Klopp wants to right that wrong by signing a similar player in Musah.
“He’s getting a lot of attention from the EPL and it looks like Liverpool are interested from the sources I’ve spoken to,” said Wynalda.
He added: “Keita came to Liverpool and is a similar profile to Musah. It didn’t quite work out for him and Klopp. Klopp is looking at Musah in the same light.
“He’s maybe a poor man’s Wijnaldum but Thiago isn’t getting any younger. Musah is a great young talent and I think Liverpool would be a great move.”
