Steve McManaman shared that he was confident that Liverpool would welcome a new number ten in this transfer window as Jurgen Klopp clearly wants one.
The retired midfielder revealed that he heard that the pursuit of Lyon’s Nabil Fekir was over but was still positive that his former side would sign another attack-minded player.
McManaman stated that the number ten position was clearly being looked at by the current Reds manager and that he was likely to seek a replacement for Fekir after missing out.
“The Fekir transfer I think was going to happen and it hasn’t happened, but I don’t think it’s a big problem to be honest,” the former Reds favourite told the Daily Express.
“I think they found a reason not to do the deal and they’ll move on to other targets.
“I think it looks as if it’s over to be honest. From what I’ve heard I think it’s over.”
“The fact that he’s (Jurgen Klopp) looking at that position suggests that he wants someone, so i presume he’ll try and find a replacement.
“A number 10 type player, when Coutinho went, I know they haven’t missed him because the front three have played so well, but I think it showed that if one of them gets injured they certainly need back up.
“They’ve got Lallana, but the fact they’re looking at that position, an eight or a 10, shows where Jurgen wants to bring somebody in.”
OPINION
While it’s not known how good McManaman’s sources within Anfield are it seems as far as he is concerned Fekir won’t be wearing a Reds shirt anytime soon. The current Lyon captain looked the ideal attacker to improve the Reds’ already dangerous attack but it looks it just wasn’t meant to be. It’s very likely that Klopp had several back-up options in mind when pursuing Fekir and will move quickly as soon as the World Cup is completed. The prestigious tournament will no doubt hold up any potential deals as there will be several players that Klopp might consider performing at the tournament in Russia. There is no player who would willingly like to be distracted from their nation’s cause in this period so it’s makes sense for the Reds to use this time to assess all their options in their pursuit of finding a new number ten for the club. It’s unknown who the Reds will end up swooping for but it’s easy to see why McManaman is confident that a signing will happen.
