Noel Whelan has tipped Liverpool to take the ‘perfect opportunity to get Adama Traore on board in January.
Adama Traore’s bright start to the season had been disrupted after Bruno Lage’s team endured good fortunes on the pitch in the Spaniard’s absence. However, the flying winger has returned for the last few games, including their weekend loss to Liverpool, who remain one of the clubs interested in the stocky attacker.
Traore’s contract with Wolves expires in 2023, and the winger has shown no indications about the possibility of signing a new deal at the Premier League side. However, this season, new manager Lage has ensured the team do not miss him too much by developing a system without the Spaniard.
If Liverpool are genuinely interested, they could face plenty of competition for the Spaniard. Much of the attention comes from Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid. However, signing for the Reds could be tempting for the winger, who might prefer to stay in the Premier League.
Wolves reportedly want £20 million for Traore in the January window to get a deal done, and it could fall well under Liverpool’s spending power. The Merseyside club are interested in strengthening their attacking options, as they will be losing Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane for the AFCON. And, Noel Whelan believes it could be the ‘perfect opportunity’ for Jurgen Klopp to get his preferred target.
Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan claimed Traore would add value and quality to the current options Liverpool have in their attack. He also pointed towards January, when the club will lose Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane to the AFCON, claiming a single injury to existing players could lead to problems in the final third.
Whelan said, “There will definitely be a temptation at Liverpool. When you look at Diogo Jota, Divock Origi and Roberto Firmino – that’s a formidable front three. But they will need backup. One injury to that front line, and they won’t know where to turn.
“But if they’re going to continue to mount this title charge, then they are going to need another player in there. It’s no secret that Jurgen Klopp is a huge admirer of Traore; it’s been talked about for months if not years. This could be the perfect opportunity. It’ll certainly be tempting for Klopp if he is available at that price.”
If Liverpool manage to bring him over, Traore could prove to be a quality signing. However, if the other interested clubs enter the chase, a proper transfer battle could ensue, which may lead to an increase in Wolves’ asking price for the speedy forward.
