After a move in 2018 broke down due to doubts over his medical reports, Liverpool have once again been linked to Lyon's captain French international Nabil Fekir. Synonymous press outlet the 'Liverpool Echo', ESPN's Melissa Reddy and other journalists with close ties to the Reds, have either dismissed that Liverpool will go in again, or are not convinced it would make sense after the way negotiations broke down. Worries over Fekir's knee meant that Liverpool pulled out of a deal for him last summer, the deal was so advanced in it's negotiations that a 'Welcome Fekir' video leaked, the customary introduction interview with a new club signing. Fekir, did an interview in France not too long after the deal stalled and said that he was upset with what had happened, but will brush it off and continue to give his best for his hometown club.
Some Liverpool fans believe that with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain now fit after a long lay off, means that an attacking midfielder that will provide the link from the midfield to the attack may not be needed as much as it was at the start of last season. However, Liverpool's social media contingent have started dreaming again that Fekir will come with Lyon President Jean-Michel Aulas informing that Fekir feels it is in his ‘best interest’ to move away, and there is not much that Lyon can do about it. With his versatility, set piece threat and ability to use both feet, fans of the Merseysiders feel that he could be the man to help steer them past Manchester City, after falling just a point short last campaign. Fekir's Lyon contract runs out in 2020, so any deal would be vastly cheaper than the €60m price which was being banded around last summer. The Frenchman could provide cover to any of the front three as well as his natural midfield position. With another move for Fekir not a certainty, and the fact that there is the option to drop the ubiquitous Roberto Firmino back into his original position of being a no.10, Liverpool could either purchase a playmaker or a winger this summer. Manager Jurgen Klopp has stated that Liverpool need to ’splash cash’ as everyone else is. After continually offloading players for good prices, Liverpool may just decide it is now or never to catch Manchester City while Pep Guardiola is in charge. So let us have a look at some of the players that Liverpool could bring in, should acquiring Fekir not be feasible anymore.
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Hakim Ziyech (26)
The versatile Ajax winger had another great season and was a key figure in Ajax winning their first Eredivisie title since 2013/14, and helping them get to the semi final of the Champions League. Ajax' Director of Football Marc Overmars, has stated that Ziyech was informed that Ajax would find him a great club to go to once he leaves, and this summer it looks very much like it will be when he departs. The Moroccan international has a release clause reported to be around €35m which is a bargain in the current market. Ziyech boasts a great left foot and likes to cut in from the wing, but he is very adept on his right foot also. Ziyech has led the Eredivisie in assists in back-to-back seasons and would bring a high level of creativity that Liverpool lacked at times. Rumours are he will move to Bayern Munich or maybe Roma, but nothing has been agreed as of yet. Arsenal are apparently keeping tabs on him also.
Houssem Aouar (20)
Fekir's Lyon teammate Aouar is a huge prospect who can also play in a number of positions, but his primary role is in central midfield. Aouar has the composure of a man well beyond his years and has mass elegance when on the ball. Aouar, is stronger on the ball than he first looks, a decent comparison would be to that of Ruben Loftus-Cheek at Chelsea, though Aouar is more skilful and has a lower centre of gravity. Aouar has just enjoyed his best league season at Lyon thus far with 7 goals and 8 assists in 37 appearances. The French Under-21 international signed a contract extension last summer until 2023, and will turn 21 at the end of the month, so Lyon would demand probably around £45m for him. David Maddock from the Mirror has informed that Liverpool are keeping tabs on Aouar, but the price tag may have Liverpool look elsewhere, at his age however Jurgen Klopp could turn him into a real star.
Nicolas Pepe (24)
The Lille winger's stock rose massively in the 2018/19 season, as only Paris Saint Germain's Kylian Mbappe scored more than his 22 goals in the league. Add to that: Pepe also finished second in Ligue 1 in assists with 11, showing he is much more than just a potent goal threat. Pepe, plays on the right and cuts onto his left foot, he is quick and is really good in tight spaces with a great shot on him. The Ivory Coast international will more than likely add to his plaudits in the upcoming African Cup of Nations, prompting Lille to try and squeeze as much as they can out of any club that comes in for him. Bayern Munich and Liverpool are apparently the main suitors for Pepe, and the rumours are he would prefer the Germans as he would be guaranteed more playing time with Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery departing. His ability to cover at least two of Liverpool's front three make Pepe a really attractive option.
Phillippe Coutinho (27)
Liverpool's sale of Coutinho back in January 2018, broke numerous fans' hearts at the time, but Liverpool used part of the transfer fee to land his Brazilian compatriot Alisson Becker, and he has been exceptional, so the pain was basically eradicated. Coutinho's Barcelona career has not gone in any way how he thought it would, but it also shows you that stats do not tell you everything you need to know. He scored 8 in 18 in the league in his first half of a season in 2018 at the Catalan giants and added 5 assists. In 18/19 he only found the net 5 times in the league, and he has admitted to being upset with some of his performances. Although not showing his best week in, week out, the rhetoric of him being a complete flop at Barcelona seem hyperbolic. Coutinho‘s ability to beat a man, passing range and long range shooting; means he ticks a lot of boxes for Liverpool. Many fans would not like him to return, but fans are fickle and if he guided Liverpool to the league, he will eventually be forgiven, one would think Barca would take around £70-80m and it is unlikely Liverpool would pay that, but you never know, do you...
James Maddison (22)
Maddison, took to the Premier League like a duck to water, after his £22m move from Championship side Norwich. The attacking midfielder's composure on the ball and creativity meant he shone even in Claude Puel's pragmatic formation setups before he was sacked. Earlier this year, Brendan Rodgers took over at the King Power Stadium, and Maddison continued to flourish linking well with Jamie Vardy and loanee Youri Tielemens. Rodgers' attacking style allowed Maddison to express himself even further and his guile would fit in well if Liverpool were to swoop for him. Maddison, created the most chances in the Premier League in 2018/19 with 100 and he also led in goals from direct free kicks with 3. Leicester will at the sheer minimum triple what they spent on him when he leaves, but one would think he is more than content at the moment and will repay the faith Leicester showed in him. Whether he leaves now or not a bright future lies ahead for him at club and international level.
Ousmane Dembele (22)
Liverpool, will thank the Frenchman for missing critical chances at the end of their Champions League semi final, first leg with Barcelona, but his talent is undeniable. Injuries have plagued the French international since he was signed for a big money package of €145m from Borussia Dortmund. Dembele, has by no means been a dud, scoring important goals for the club when he has been fit, linking well with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. Dembele, is a natural winger, so he blends better with the likes of Messi and Suarez than Coutinho does. Dembele's off the pitch antics are what may get him sold as he has repeatedly turned up late to training numerous times and apparently has a video game addiction. Whether this would put Klopp off remains to be seen, but Dembele continues to be linked with Liverpool as well a few other clubs. Barca would have to take a massive loss just like if they were to sell Coutinho and around £85m or so could be his price. Dembele, is good with either foot, and is so much more than a rapid winger as his 13 assists for Dortmund in the 2016/2017 season show.
Isco (27)
Before he was replaced by Zinedine Zidane as Real Madrid Head Coach, Santiago Solari dropped Isco from the side. There was talk of Isco gaining weight hence and not being committed. Things improved a tad under Zidane, but he was still not a consistent starter. Now we have hit the summer, and Isco is one of a number of names that Zidane is willing to let go. The is all part of a micro exodus as Los Blancos bring in various new names, as they rebuild after a poor season by their standards after selling Cristiano Ronaldo. Isco's class has not waned despite his recent struggles, graceful on the ball, a great passer with wonderful vision, effortless dribbler and one thing he has stepped up is his work rate. Liverpool will know all about him, as he put in a real shift in the 2014/15 season when Madrid came to Anfield and won 3-0 in the Champions League group stage. The price here is likely to be the stumbling block like it may be with other players. Isco, has a huge release clause some have reported it to be €700m (which they will never get), and Real apparently are looking to land Paul Pogba or Christian Eriksen, so a deal here can help fund that, as they have made many signings already this summer. His ability to carry the ball and link play to the forwards is something Sadio Mane especially would thrive on. If Madrid name a suitable price the takers will be endless.
@DubulDee
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