Liverpool have reportedly joined the race to sign Lille breakout star Boubakary Soumare, who is also on the radar of Real Madrid, Chelsea and more.
Spanish publication Sport have claimed that the race to sign Boubakary Soumare is heating up with each passing day. The Lille midfielder is being tailed by the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Newcastle United, with Liverpool the latest club to be linked to the star.
What a rise it has been for Boubakary Soumare. After joining LOSC Lille from the PSG academy, Soumare has become an important part of the first-team setup at Lille, with his influence growing season by season. The 2019-20 campaign has seen him rack up 20 league appearances so far, with his presence in midfield crucial to the club’s rise to fourth on the Ligue 1 table.
Soumare may not be the flashiest of passers or have the fanciest of dribbles for a midfielder. But, the 21-year-old is solid in midfield as an enforcer and does his job as a ball winning player in the middle of the park. Soumare is a hot property in the transfer market.
The two red cards received in Ligue 1 this season show that he might have a competitive streak that sometimes goes out of control, but it is something that can be both an asset and a liability, depending on how managers and certain clubs see it. Needless to say, the interest from Real Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool is a testament to his ability.
Real Madrid are looking to overhaul their midfield, with Luka Modric seemingly past his peak and Toni Kroos also on the edge of it while also being linked with a move away from the Bernabeu. Interestingly, Madrid already have a Soumare-like player in Casemiro. Hence, the 21-year-old could be brought in as competition for the Brazilian international.
Liverpool have not found success in their recruit of Naby Keita, who is reportedly set to be put up for sale in the summer. Fabinho has been a success, but Jurgen Klopp would need more depth to compete on all fronts, which is perhaps why a move for Soumare is being touted.
Chelsea have a true enforcer in N’Golo Kante. But, Frank Lampard might be looking for depth, like Zinedine Zidane and Klopp, and bring Soumare in to compete with Kante.
Manchester United, though, seem like the one club where Soumare could be a starter from the onset. The Red Devils need a long-term replacement for Nemanja Matic and could do with someone as robust and fiery in the midfield.
One thing seems certain. Lille will not be able to hold on to Soumare, with several European giants tracking him and eyeing a summer move for the 21-year-old. Where he lands, will depend entirely on the projects presented and what he values more at this point in his career.
