Liverpool could add even more fresh young talent to their squad when the transfer market reopens in January, with reports that long-term target Youssoufa Moukoko will be offered out on loan, according to 90min.
The Reds will return to action in the Premier League this weekend when they host Everton in the Merseyside Derby at Anfield, and Jurgen Klopp will be hoping his squad can keep up their fine form shown on many occasions so far this season.
The arrival of Wataru Endo, Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch has sparked a new era of Liverpool’s midfield presence following the departure of Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Fabinho.
Both Szoboszlai and Mac Allister, in particular, have been regular features in Klopp’s new-look first team and have become popular players in the squad for supporters.
Whilst the Liverpool boss will be thrilled with the quick impact the injection of youth has made on performances, continuing to refresh and add more quality to the team will be essential for the Merseyside giants to get back to competing at the highest level and for elite trophies.
It has been reported this week by 90min that Liverpool are long-term admirers of Borussia Dortmund star Youssoufa Moukoko, who is now looking at a potential loan move away from the German club in January.
It is claimed that whilst the six-time Champions League winners do remain interested in snapping up Moukoko’s services, they are more focused on signing a central or defensive midfielder as well as a centre-back, should the opportunity arise in the new year.
Nevertheless, Moukoko’s representatives are hopeful that they can secure a ‘big six’ Premier League move for their young talent in the coming months ahead and Chelsea are noted as one of the clubs who could be presented the six-month loan opportunity.
Our verdict on a Liverpool move for Moukoko…
At this moment in time it makes little to no sense for Liverpool to be prioritising the acquirement of attacking players, when their biggest issues lie in the core of their defensive performances and personnel.
Joel Matip is inside the last 12 months of his contract at Anfield, whilst Virgil van Dijk recently turned 32 years old, so starting to consider the next generation of the centre-back partnership will be a clear focus for the scouts and recruitment team at present.
Youth prospect Jarell Quansah has started to stake his claim with a string of first team appearances already this season, and has already impressed Klopp with his dominant and fearless approach to life in the senior ranks.
The 20-year-old rookie earned high praise from his German coach following a full first-team debut against Wolverhampton Wanderers:
“He did exceptionally well. In possession as well he was calm. It was like we had just met in the car park before the game with the organisation in the first half! But he played really well.”
The defensive midfield role is another area of focus for Liverpool ahead of the upcoming winter transfer window, with Endo still not becoming a trusted and regular member of the first team under Klopp, whilst Thiago Alcantara remains unavailable for selection and leaving Mac Allister out of position to accommodate Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones.
Fabinho’s departure was one that divide opinion as the Brazilian had shown signs of decline throughout last season, however, for many including Klopp remained the realistic starter in the defensive midfield, a role that the club have struggled to replace more than any other position.
With that being said, it is extremely unlikely that Liverpool would be interested in signing Moukoko in the January transfer window as there is clear room for improvement and almost a necessity to address holes in other areas of the squad in the immediate instance.
Having said that, should Moukoko become available in the summer and Liverpool feel that a move for more attacking depth is viable, it would be a major coup for the club and the future of the attacking threat on the red side of Merseyside.
