Frenkie de Jong and Liverpool's possible centre midfield targets
FT Desk
- 30 Aug 2022 12:00 BST
- 3 min read
Liverpool are in the market to sign a centre midfielder before the end of the transfer window.
A glut of injuries in the middle of the pitch has forced Jurgen Klopp to go into the market, and CBS transfer expert Ben Jacobs has broken down their options for FootballTransfers.
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“Liverpool don’t panic buy and Jurgen Klopp was being 100 per cent honest when he said to the media that they will only sign somebody - despite their injury woes - if it is the right player,” Jacobs explained.
“So who is the right player and who might they go for?
Frenkie de Jong
“Well, first of all, I don’t think that Frenkie de Jong is available. And even if Liverpool had an interest, they’re not going to get drawn into a late transfer window saga and they are not going to pay over the odds.
“So I don’t think there is too much substance to that one personally, although clubs are always enquiring about players and looking ahead to future windows and that’s where there is a grey area as just because you talk to a player or agent now, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re looking to sign them imminently.
Youri Tielemans
“Youri Tielemans is another player who has been linked. Arsenal have obviously been linked all window but, and this is only my personal opinion, it wouldn’t remotely surprise me if Liverpool were to come in for him if they could get him for the price. However, Leicester players are usually expensive.
“And Liverpool won’t pay above the odds, though it is one to watch.
Konrad Laimer
“Liverpool have also been linked with a late bid for Konrad Laimer.
“I think with Laimer it is going to be very intriguing, not just for Liverpool but generally because the feeling seems to be that there may be an openness to sell him from Leipzig.
“I think the transfer fee is being touted as around €25 million, which is a reasonable price. Leipzig has softened their stance compared to the start of the window and they’re talking as if the future isn’t 100 per cent certain. There are a few clubs circling and Liverpool could be one of them
“So they definitely have options, Liverpool.”
