Liverpool transfers: Klopp told Mac Allister deal is big mistake and money must be used for alternative Prem star
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has been told he will be making a major error by pushing through a big-money move for Alexis Mac Allister, with the Brighton star deemed only good enough to be a “squad player” at Anfield.
The Reds boss is about to embark on a major reconstruction of his midfield. The Merseysiders have fallen off their lofty perch this season and could potentially finish outside the Champions League places. And while they have won their last six games to close the gap on fourth-placed Man Utd to a point, the Red Devils still have a game in hand.
Regardless of where they finish, Klopp – alongside incoming new sporting director Jorg Schmadtke – is planning wholesale changes. A number of stars will depart Anfield at the end of their contracts, with James Milner the first out the door.
But he will be joined by Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Roberto Firmino. Joel Matip is another who could depart, while the Reds will also listen to offers for No 2 goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.
And with Arthur Melo also returning to parent club Juventus after a disaster of a loan spell, Klopp and Schmadtke’s focus will largely focus on midfield recruits.
To that end, Thursday’s Transfer Gossip listed four top targets that Liverpool are focusing on.
The first man through the door looks for all intents and purposes to be Mac Allister. The Argentina star has enjoyed a brilliant season, scoring 12 goals for Brighton.
But after helping his nation to World Cup glory, he finds himself a man very much in demand. And with Liverpool leading the hunt, reports are growing that a big-money move to Anfield is on the cards.
Glen Johnson instructs Liverpool to abandon Mac Allister for Mount
However, former Reds star Glen Johnson is not so sure Mac Allister will be a wise investment. He reckons the Argentine might not be ready to command a regular place in the Liverpool midfield. And as an alternative, he feels the money is better going on Chelsea’s Mason Mount.
The Chelsea midfielder is another reportedly on the Reds’ list of targets. However, he could be convinced to sign a new deal at Stamford Bridge by their incoming new boss Mauricio Pochettino.
Nonetheless, Johnson has explained to Betfred why a move for the England star suits Liverpool better.
“Even though it sounds silly to say, nowadays, £70m for a good player isn’t that expensive, is it? Alexis is certainly a good player. But if you have to spend £70m, then I’d rather that money was spent on Mason Mount.
“Mason would have suited the team better, he would have got into the starting XI and I don’t believe that Alexis can instantly command a starting berth in Liverpool’s team.
“He would certainly be a good squad player, but I’d have preferred if they signed Mason Mount.”
Liverpool also urged to sign Van Dijk international colleague
Klopp is also reportedly in the hunt for a new defensive addition who can cover both central defence and right-back.
With Trent Alexander-Arnold moving into more of a creative midfield role, Liverpool are exploring potential options.
One man who could fit the bill is Ajax defender Jurrien Timber. Reports last month claimed Timber was house-hunting on Merseyside ahead of a potential £45m move.
And Johnson reckons Virgil van Dijk’s teammate would be an excellent addition for the Merseysiders.
“Virgil obviously knows him better than I do. But he has 15 caps for Holland, so he clearly has a lot about him. If you’ve got the two Holland international team’s centre-backs as your defensive pairing at club level, then usually that’s a bloody good start.
“To play as many times as he has for his country at his age and for Virgil to speak so highly of him, then he’s clearly a very good player.”
Timber on Thursday revealed ‘there is a chance’ he could move to the Premier League this summer.
