Tag: Wilfred Ndidi

Liverpool are reportedly planning a move for Leicester City midfielder Wilfried Ndidi which would open up several tantalizing opportunities for Jurgen Klopp.

As we approach the final days of the 2023 summer transfer window, it’s hard not to believe the Liverpool deal isn’t done yet. It might be wishful thinking, but there are still two very obvious gaps in Jurgen Klopp’s squad.

There certainly seems to be a need for reinforcements at the centre-back. Although Virgil van Dijk’s suspension will be short-lived, Reds fans are aware of Ibrahima Konaté’s absence through injury. Neither Joe Gomez nor Joel Matip have an exceptional fitness record, so new cover should be sought.

And what about the midfield? Has any player had a weirder two weeks than the recent one for Wataru Endō? There can’t be many as his move to Liverpool came out of nowhere and his first two appearances for the club saw the squad down to 10 men.

As it stands, the Japan international will be Klopp’s key defensive midfielder for a season in which the Reds are targeting a top-four finish, a potentially unlikely title hunt and domestic cup competitions and international. It’s a tall order for a player much more accustomed to the lower levels of the Bundesliga.

Wilfred Ndidi may be able to help you. The Independent has reported that the Leicester City midfielder could be ‘under consideration’ by Liverpool as his club are ‘open for business’ as the deadline approaches. The Foxes’ relegation at the end of last season meant the 26-year-old wouldn’t cost as much as another seemingly interesting player, Cheick Doucoure.

Ndidi has been in high demand in the past, although injuries have dampened his enthusiasm. The Nigerian missed 21 matches in 2020-21 and another 20 the following season (according to Transfermarkt) and could pose a significant risk depending on the finances of the deal.

But if Liverpool aren’t quite in the position where ‘beggars can’t be voters’ then time is not on their side. Also think about the benefits that Ndidi could bring. Like Endō, he has experience at centre-back, so he could provide Klopp with cover if a preferred defensive target isn’t available this summer.

He also has great experience at Premier League level and could theoretically play directly for the team. This would allow Endo a much more measured integration into life at Liverpool rather than being thrown into the deep end again and again, as seems to happen all the time.

The Leicester man could also provide the Reds with a very solid platform at the base of their midfield. Over the past 365 days, Ndidi has ranked in the 95th percentile for tackles among his comrades in Europe’s top five leagues and 1% for interceptions (according to FBref). Even though those numbers were boosted by the fact that he played for a struggling team, just the fact that he proved he could do so much defensive work isn’t a bad thing.

With him and Endō alternating in this role, Alexis Mac Allister would be free to play one of the more advanced midfield roles, from where he could have a far greater impact on Liverpool’s attack. Alternatively, he and Ndidi could offer tactical flexibility by forming the defensive duo in 4-2-3-1, as both played that role in that system for their respective clubs last season. This framework would allow Jurgen Klopp to field four attackers in his favorite formation from the time of Borussia Dortmund. This would allow him to include Darwin Núñez a little more easily.

Could Ndidi help maintain the Uruguayan’s leap of form that exploded at Newcastle? It seems strange at first, but the arrival of the midfielder from Leicester could bring all sorts of benefits to Klopp and the team – especially coupled with a new centre-back, it would make for a perfect transfer finale.

More news……..

Stan Collymore advises Liverpool to sign a PL player to replace Mo Salah

Stan Collymore has suggested Liverpool sign Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo if Mohamed Salah leaves this summer.

Speaking to CaughtOffside, the former Anfield star advised Liverpool to target the Cameroon international as a replacement for Salah as Saudi Arabia showed interest.

The 24-year-old winger has been one of Brentford’s finest performers since the Bees’ promotion to the Premier League, with Mbeumo having scored three goals already this season.

And Collymore has now suggested the French-born striker replace Salah should the striker be sold, an outcome which is becoming more likely by the day.

In fact, Brentford could be hesitant to sell Mbeumo along with Ivan Toney until 2024, but Liverpool could make a move if Salah leaves for the Middle East in the coming days. Collymore said of Mbuemo: “He’s a great player. If Salah does indeed leave Liverpool this summer, I think Jurgen Klopp should definitely consider Brentford’s No.19.”

Liverpool should consider Mbeumo as Salah replacement

Liverpool reportedly never considered replacing Salah this summer but the winger’s potential departure must now beg that question as Mbeumo is a candidate.

The striker has excelled over the past three seasons for Brentford and established himself as a reliable player in the Premier League, with a big transfer almost certainly on the horizon.

And Liverpool could be that club, with Mbeumo a player who can take his game to a new level at Anfield if Salah is sold and the Reds seek a replacement.