Manu Kone signed, $50m centre-back – final week dream of transfer window for Liverpool

Liverpool can fill the major gaps remaining in the squad with just two transfer moves in a smart last week with an attractive ‘discount’ from Manu Kone.

Liverpool have officially entered the final week of the transfer window. After Arthur Melo’s panicked move on the deadline last summer, it seemed unlikely that the FSG would get things back on track any time soon, but there is still work to be done.

At least the arrival of Wataru Endō and the return of Stefan Bajčetić from injury have given Liverpool a solid squad in all parts of the pitch, with a number of recognized defensive midfielders now at Jürgen Klopp’s disposal. But the minor inconvenience of Ibrahima Konaté – one of many notoriously injury-prone picks on defense – should serve as a timely reminder. No other deal would prepare Liverpool for another season where fitness issues could arise at any time. A quadruple push between two disappointing campaigns is a testament to wasted potential, with too much chance in terms of possible injuries to key players.

By contrast, just two smart transfers last week would change Liverpool’s outlook. They wouldn’t need to go broke either, as the plausible options fall well short of the offer FSG were willing to make for Moisés Caicedo before he opted for Chelsea – especially given an apparent discount for Manu Kone.

Koné, mentioned about Liverpool earlier this summer, disappeared from the transfer radar when he suffered an injury during the European Under-21 Championship. But BILD’s Christian Falk says the asking price has fallen as a result.

Obviously this partly reflects potential concerns about any replays, and Liverpool have struggled with injury-prone midfielders in the past. But it’s also the result of many of the original suitors having gone elsewhere, potentially allowing the Reds to capitalize on them.

According to Falk, Liverpool could get Kone for just $38 million. Borussia Mönchengladbach previously sought a fee close to $54m (£43m/€50m). This is a significant discount and the offer seems extremely attractive at this price level.

With Koné able to play as both number six and number eight, it makes perfect sense if Liverpool sign just one more midfielder. This is the most effective way to add depth. Interestingly, Roméo Lavia is among his ten most similar players on FBref – and at 22, the Frenchman is one who still has plenty of time to improve.

The signing of this agreement would be left to the defense alone. Again, versatility is the key word and Liverpool would ideally find someone who can challenge Andy Robertson in the hybrid role while also acting as a potential long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk.

Dávid Hancko from Feyenoord could be that man. The story, linked to Liverpool by Football Transfers, quotes ESPN pundit and former Dutch footballer Hans Kraay Jr as saying the 25-year-old could buy up to $50m (£40m/47 millions of euros). It’s a bit pricey, but with such a short window of opportunity to do business, it would be a pretty good deal.

As a left-handed player, Hancko would be just as adept as covering Robertson or Van Dijk. At 25, he still needs to improve but would be ready to contribute immediately – without too many expectations of immediate guaranteed playing time as his only experience in the top five leagues so far has been a move to Fiorentina, he only had five appearances.

Again, FBref’s ‘Similar Players’ feature brings up a few interesting names, with Gonçalo Inácio and Jurrien Timber both having close encounters in Europe’s ‘next eight’ leagues last year. Hancko could be a really smart buy.

It’s amazing how much more diverse the Liverpool squad would be with these two deals alone. It shows that there are still options: if FSG and the Liverpool recruitment team play their cards right, this could be seen as a really smart transfer window.

More news……..

Several English clubs interested in Liverpool midfielder and Klopp is prepared to sanction a move

Several English clubs are interested in Liverpool midfielder Tyler Morton, who could move to the Championship on loan for the rest of the season.

The 20-year-old was loaned out to Blackburn Rovers last season, making 40 league appearances before picking up a foot injury in April. The Reds star recently returned to full training after foot surgery cut short his 2022/23 season.

This is Anfield now reporting that several clubs have already applied to hire Morton for the rest of the season and the Merseyside club are set to approve a deal as they chase another midfielder in the transfer market.

Morton is a graduate of Liverpool’s academy and his move to Blackburn was the only time he spent time away from the Merseyside club, a period in which he made an impact. Another loan move would help the 20-year-old develop further as playing time will be difficult at Anfield for the rest of the season.

Morton played nine senior games for Liverpool, two of them in the Premier League. His last appearance in England’s top flight came in December 2021, when Jürgen Klopp launched him as a starter in a 2-2 draw at Tottenham Hotspur amid an injury crisis in midfield.