Liverpool has received a transfer boost in its pursuit of a midfielder this summer after missing out on both Roméo Lavia and Moisés Caicedo to Chelsea.
Liverpool turn their attention to Crystal Palace midfielder Cheick Doucouré. (Image: (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images))
Jürgen Klopp has been chasing the latest addition to his Liverpool midfield, with the ‘number six’ position the last piece to the puzzle after already securing World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister and former RB Leipzig man Dominik Szoboszlai.
The club had explored moves for both Moisés Caicedo and Roméo Lavia after submitting offers totaling a combined amount of over $200m (£157m/€183m) in recent weeks. However, to its dismay, both players have since opted for a move to Stamford Bridge, where new Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino is looking to redevelop his squad after being appointed to the role this summer.
Liverpool must now look elsewhere to fill the void in in its squad left by veterans Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, who have both opted to accept lucrative offers from the Saudi Pro League in recent months.
And according to The Independent, Jürgen Klopp’s search has now led to Crystal Palace ace Cheick Doucouré. Liverpool has been linked with the player in the past but is now looking to step up its interest in the Mali international.
And Klopp could benefit from a serious boost. The BBC was among those to quote an $89m (£70m/€82m) price tag earlier in the summer, but the latest report suggests that Liverpool could seal a deal for below $76m (£60m/€70m). That’s a major price drop.
The player is thought to be ‘keen’ on a move to Anfield this summer. However, the report goes on to state that Crystal Palace is wary of parting ways with its midfielder after losing multiple key players already, with Wilfried Zaha going to Galatasaray and Michael Olise potentially bound for Chelsea.
Fulham’s João Palhinha and Nice’s Khéphren Thuram offer other options for Klopp to turn to, but Doucouré looks the most likely outcome as we approach the final few weeks of the transfer window.
Liverpool.com says: Doucouré has adapted to the Premier League well since his move from RC Lens in 2022. Liverpool has missed out on both Caicedo and Lavia recently and with a blatant gap in its midfield, this deal makes a lot of sense.
At the quoted price point, Doucouré could even prove to be a better option than Lavia, if perhaps not Caicedo. After all, he boasts more top-level experience, having spent time in France before his season of English top flight action.The fee could ultimately seem like a bargain as Liverpool looks to push on and compete with top clubs within the Premier League this season.
