The Hard Tackle lists three players Liverpool can target after facing defeat in the races to sign Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia.
The summer transfer window has suddenly disintegrated for Liverpool. Once moving swimmingly in the market, the Reds have lost the plot, with their search for the third midfield signing going haywire. And suddenly, they have become a laughing stock, especially in the wake of the events of the past week.
Liverpool seemed to be the clear front-runner in the race to sign Romeo Lavia from Southampton. But they suddenly changed their course and set their sights on Moises Caicedo. And while the Ecuadorian midfielder had been a target for Liverpool, he always seemed a contingency option if the deal for Lavia did not materialise.
So Liverpool abruptly deciding to hijack Chelsea’s deal for Caicedo was surprising. But while they secured an agreement with Brighton & Hove Albion, the youngster had his heart set on moving to Stamford Bridge. So the Merseyside club lost the race to sign Caicedo, with Chelsea officially landing his signature this week.
But Liverpool still had the Romeo Lavia deal in the bag. Or so they thought when they went back to the Belgian international. But Chelsea, perhaps incensed by Liverpool’s stunt in the Caicedo saga, also moved to secure Lavia’s signature. And the 19-year-old, dismayed by the Reds’ decision to abandon his transfer, has chosen Chelsea as his next destination.
So with things spiralling out of control in the last few days, the Reds are in limbo. But with two weeks left for the summer transfer window to shut down, there is no time to rest. And with that in mind, The Hard Tackle lists three players Liverpool can target as alternatives to Caicedo and Lavia. We considered over half a dozen options. So a few, like Cheick Doucoure, Joao Palhinha and Manu Kone, have missed out.
Khephren Thuram
Khéphren Thuram would be an immense signing for Liverpool — I cannot stress that enough.
He has absurd body mechanics/physics, being 6’4 yet moves so elegantly in possession. Thuram is an all-action MF, being more than capable of playing deep — he is a v. good duel winner — but… https://t.co/fcm6CotQJP pic.twitter.com/vtY2N0t19s
— Ethan. ✍️ (@EthanTaIks) May 30, 2023
Our list begins with an obvious pick. This player has been on Liverpool’s radar for a long time. But he had gradually become a backup option for the Reds to bolster their midfield department in the ongoing transfer window. We are talking about Khephren Thuram.
The Reds have closely monitored Thuram’s progress for a long time. And the French international’s versatility makes him an option worth considering for Liverpool. But they now have to contend with Manchester United in the race to sign the youngster.
The Red Devils have been in the market for a midfielder in the last few weeks as they look for a replacement for Fred. And Thuram is one of the candidates on Manchester United’s radar. But Liverpool might become the front-runner to land his signature if they rekindle the move.
Previous reports have claimed that the 22-year-old wants to join Liverpool. And his ability to carry the ball effortlessly in vertical channels makes him a potential game-changer. In addition, he can be the elusive holding midfielder the Reds are craving right now.
Youssouf Fofana
Youssouf Fofana pic.twitter.com/QvZjFJ8Vpb
— Nelsson (@vikingnelsson) August 3, 2023
The next candidate on our list is a bonafide holding midfielder who can fill the void left by the departures of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho. We are talking about Youssouf Fofana, AS Monaco’s midfield extraordinaire.
The 24-year-old is a defensive-minded midfielder who excels at ball retention and winning possession in the middle of the park. He also excels at pushing his team forward quickly during transitions while looking to dribble efficiently when the opportunities present themselves.
But like Khephren Thuram, Fofana is also a popular figure in the market. Clubs like Arsenal, Newcastle United, and West Ham United have shown interest in the French international. But Liverpool can offer him something no other suitor can: regular game time with European football on offer. And what he brings to the table makes him potentially a top target.
What also makes Fofana an intriguing target is his cost-effective price tag. And considering he will unlikely cost over €40 million, Liverpool can save a lot of money pursuing him after failing to splash the cash on Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia.
Florentino Luis
I’ve never been so invested in a player to sign for Liverpool
Florentino Luis can’t be missed out on
Just look at that Mac x szobo x Luis trio 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/IIQ87ItcLN
— E4 (@Private_Ryan15) August 15, 2023
Our list ends with a player who has gone under the radar but is every bit a potential asset for Liverpool. And considering he represents Benfica, this player might become a top-class performer in the years to come. We are talking about Florentino Luis.
The 23-year-old has his best years ahead of him but has already shown signs of becoming a world-class performer well before he reaches his peak. And his ability to win possession makes him a seamless fit into Liverpool’s system.
In addition, Florentino is a tough-tackling midfielder who does not shy away from getting stuck in and taking the game to his opponents. Also, passing is his strong suit, with the Portuguese midfielder excelling at stitching together moves that can release the more creative-minded players.
So Florentino Luis can be the ideal foil for Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai. But while Liverpool might be interested in the 23-year-old, he is also a target for Barcelona. And at a price of around €30 million, he might become affordable for the Blaugrana. Nonetheless, Liverpool should consider launching the offensive for Florentino.
