According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool have held discussions with the representatives of three potential midfield targets but no bids or advanced talks yet.
The Reds are gearing up for a transformative summer transfer window with the first signing of Alexis Mac Allister reportedly on the brink of being completed.
Italian journalist and transfer expert, Romano, confirmed that a full agreement is in place and a medical has been booked for this week to secure the World Cup winner’s services until June 2028.
There is no doubt that Mac Allister will be a warmly welcomed addition at Anfield, especially since the club has not introduced a new midfielder permanently since the arrival of Thiago Alcantara back in September 2020.
However, it will take much more than just the Brighton and Hove Albion star to bolster the quality needed in the centre of the pitch next season and get Liverpool back to challenging for trophies and the Premier League title.
Taking to Twitter on Monday, Romano claimed that Khephren Thuram, Kouadio ‘Manu’ Kone and Gabri Veiga are three midfield targets that the Liverpool hierarchy have identified and held conversations with so far, alongside getting the Mac Allister deal done.
Our thoughts on Liverpool’s interest in Thuram, Kone and Veiga…
It is no secret that a midfield rebuild is desperately needed on the red side of Merseyside this summer, especially with the departure of James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain next month.
As a result, it will be important for Klopp and Jorg Schmadtke to work together to identify the next generation of talent who can emulate the success of those before them and inject some energy back into the team.
OGC Nice talent Thuram has been the more heavily speculated prospect of the trio, with his legendary father Lilian claimed to be handling the negotiations to find the best fit for his son’s future.
The France international – a product of Monaco’s development programme – is an attacking-minded midfielder who boasts box-to-box qualities that would see him perfectly replace Keita in Liverpool’s set-up.
Over 35 Ligue One appearances, the 22-year-old has scored two goals, four assists and created nine big chances, as well as averaging 1.1 key passes, 1.5 tackles, 1.1 interceptions, 1.3 successful dribbles and 3.8 duels won per game, proving he is both potent in attack and consistent defensively too.
Thuram’s compatriot Kone is a much more defensive-minded player who displays strong capabilities in winning and retaining possession of the ball.
The Borussia Monchengladbach ace ranks in the top 25% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for successful take-ons, pass completion, blocks and tackles, making him an ideal understudy for Fabinho.
Last but not least, Celta Vigo star Gabri Veiga can offer Klopp a lot of versatility as the talented 21-year-old is experienced in most midfield roles over his short career so far.
However, it is clear that the Spanish youngster has a keen eye for getting into dangerous positions to deliver goal contributions, with 11 goals and four assists tallied up in La Liga this season.
With that being said, it is an exciting time to be a Liverpool fan and if the club can bring in another two or three midfielders this summer alongside Mac Allister it would put Klopp in a great position to compete next season.
