Souness wants ‘perfect’ Liverpool signing as doubts over deal emerge

Graeme Souness

Graeme Souness has called on Liverpool to end a disappointing transfer window by signing Thiago Alcantara from Bayern Munich.

The Reds have been chasing the midfielder for a number of months. However, so far they been unwilling to meet Bayern’s €30million (£27million) asking price.

Bayern boss Hansi Flick declared last week he expects Thiago to leave the Allianz Arena this summer. The player himself also broke his silence by revealing a surprise revelation over his future on Saturday.

Liverpool’s only recruit of the summer is left-back Kostas Tsimikas, who joined from Olympiacos for £11.75million.

Souness believes the transfer window has been an underwhelming one for his former club. He is also concerned the Reds are not strengthening as they prepare to defend their Premier League crown.

The Scot told The Times, as cited by the Daily Mirror: “The perfect time to sign players is when they do not have to be an instant hit but can be gradually introduced.

“So I am disappointed that Liverpool haven’t done so while they are reigning Premier League and world champions.

 

“That worked well with the likes of Fabinho and Robertson, who came to the fore after spending several months learning the system and could bed in without the spotlight being on them.

“That was classic Liverpool when I played there and classic Manchester United for over more than 20 years under Sir Alex Ferguson – to strengthen from a position of power.”

Thiago a perfect fit for Liverpool 

Souness also highlighted why he believes Thiago would be an ‘perfect’ for Jurgen Klopp’s side.

He added: “Thiago Alcantara would be perfect because he works his socks off but is also gifted technically. He is 29, but he still has a couple of years, maybe three, at the highest level left in him.

Thiago Alcantara

As for the title race, Souness predicts a much closer battle this time around, adding: “As it stands, Liverpool are the favourites for the title.

“But I don’t see them running away with it again. I expect a bigger challenge, from United and Chelsea this time.

“United will be better with Donny van de Beek, but the goalkeeping situation may be an issue. Chelsea have signed well, but let’s see how quickly Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech and Kai Havertz settle in.

“Beyond that, I don’t see a title challenger. People are making noises about Arsenal, but I don’t see them being strong enough. If you’re asking me now, that’s my top four for next May: Liverpool, City, United and Chelsea.”

 

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