Jurgen Klopp reportedly wants a versatile attacker in his team for next season, and Adama Traore’s name has popped up among the targets for Liverpool.
According to Football Insider, Liverpool might be interested in bringing Adama Traore to Anfield in this window. Jurgen Klopp is reportedly scouting a versatile attacker to add a new dimension to his already well-stocked front line. Adama Traore might just be the guy that Klopp needs.
Traore’s stock rose to new levels two seasons ago when he had an incredible campaign, scoring six goals and providing ten assists. However, an underwhelming 2020/21 season at Wolves yielded just three goals and three assists in 42 games in all competitions, which means there’s a lot less demand for Traore in this window.
Wolves were quoting high prices before January, considering they were confident Traore would sign a new lucrative deal presented to him. Unfortunately, the 25-year-old declined the offer, and that has made things a little tricky for Wolves. Considering the Spanish international has only two years left on his deal, top clubs are lining up hoping to get him on a reduced price.
How much Wolves might value him now remains a mystery, although he has multiple suitors, including Barcelona and Chelsea. The Blues were looking at him more as a right wing-back, but now Liverpool seem to be keeping tabs on him to acquire him for his attacking prowess.
Owing to multiple injuries, Liverpool underperformed in their title defence last term, and Klopp feels his side needs a boost in attack. Last season, Liverpool acquired Traore’s Wolves teammate Diogo Jota, who performed well. Now Klopp wants Traore to strike up his old partnership with Jota and the other forwards to give Liverpool a new life in the attack.
Klopp’s primary requirement is for someone to carry the ball for long distances, although he has the likes of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane to do that generally. However, Klopp might want his two top forwards to focus more in the final third and leave the ball carrying job to someone who is an expert in the game. Traore certainly is one.
At this point, Liverpool’s interest may not be concrete, but Klopp is certainly scouting for players of a similar profile. Belgian prodigy Jeremy Doku is of some interest, while Liverpool are also keeping tabs on Vinicius Junior from Real Madrid. However, if Traore is available at the right price, he might just be the proper signing.
If the interest is concrete, Liverpool might make contact with Wolves soon. How much will Liverpool be willing to pay remains to be seen. Overall, Adama Traore could fit the bill of the versatile attacker Klopp is looking for, but if the price is too much for a wantaway star, then Liverpool could look at alternatives.
How much will Wolves demand for Traore? And will Liverpool be willing to pay what’s required, or could they negotiate for a cut-price deal for Traore? Overall, Traore seems like a player who could fit into Liverpool’s system right away and provide them with options and dimensions in attack they currently do not have.