Liverpool stealing glances at Barcelona midfielder with £42 million release clause

0
Barcelona midfielder

The Reds are reportedly keeping tabs on Barcelona midfielder, as key players leave and Liverpool look for replacements.

The summer transfer window this year, promises to be a seismic one. Indeed, major shake-ups are slated to take place in the summer with the transfers of Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe being key examples. Liverpool have a saga of their own.

Liverpool have looked dodgy in the midfield this year, giving away winning positions to settle for draws and defeats. To address these issues, a settled and world-class midfield is required. Liverpool have lacked both, for a variety of reasons including injuries and a lack of form.

Liverpool’s current stalwarts in midfield also have an uncertain future. James Milner will leave Liverpool at the end of the season (yes, you read it correctly), as his contract ends. Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will be in the last year of their contracts as well.  Out of those two, Oxlade-Chamberlain will probably be moved on. Georginio Wijnaldum had also left in the summer. Thus, there is an acute need for additions in the middle of the park. So, what would be an ideal midfield addition in this squad?

Liverpool interested in Barcelona midfielder

A dream signing would be Jude Bellingham. The English star is everything Liverpool requires and then some. However, he would cost as much, with a reported valuation being an eye-watering €120 million. Sadly, Liverpool doesn’t spend such exorbitant sums on a single player (there have been exceptions…).

Thus, Liverpool have piqued their interest in Barcelona’s Gavi Paez. The Barcelona youngster has a £42 million release clause and would be an interesting alternative to Jude. Gavi has the right characteristics to fit in a Liverpool midfield. He is in the 95th percentile for non-penalty expected goals, 93rd percentile for tackles in the attacking third, 95th percentile for interceptions and 98th percentile in pressures in the attacking third among other impressive stats (per FBRef). Thus, making him an ideal Jordan Henderson replacement.

Jurgen Klopp and his coaches might even mould him into a midfield engine because of his incredible passing and movement. No other player of his age has had more than 363 minutes of playing time in the English, French, German, Italian or Spanish leagues this season, while Gavi has had 1,215.  

Therefore, signing Gavi would be incredible for The Reds. The only caveat is his position on the pitch. Liverpool might already look towards Harvey Elliot as a right midfielder alongside Fabinho and Thiago. Additionally, first-team football isn’t guaranteed for Gavi. Players like Aurélien Tchouaméni fit Liverpool better, and the Reds would probably go for him.

But who knows? Liverpool could really shake things up and really lure Gavi to Anfield. The 17 years old is seriously talented and he would be an amazing signing.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *