Liverpool and Klopp’s options in the market for the holding midfield role have officially thinned following West Ham’s ‘total agreement’ with Ajax over Edson Alvarez.
Journalists including Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg and Fabrizio Romano took on Twitter to deliver the news.
However, the Mexican wasn’t high on the Red’s wishlist as Klopp is keen on getting the deal for Romeo Lavia done soon.
But now Southampton are being reluctant to agree on the fee that Liverpool are bidding.
Alvarez to join Liverpool rivals, West Ham
The midfielder would have been a worthy successor of Fabinho who left for Saudi. However, it is not to be as the Ajax man is headed to London to join the Hammers.
Along with Liverpool, Dortmund were also interested to land the 25-year-old this summer.
The holding midfielder perfectly fits the ‘controller’ profile that Liverpool need right now. With Fabinho and Henderson departed, Klopp needs someone to do the dirty work.
Alvarez ranks extremely highly for passes attempted (99th percentile) and pass completion rates (95th percentile) compared to his midfield peers.
Furthermore, he would have added some aerial dominance to the Red’s midfield. As per FBref, he ranked 99th percentile for aerials won.
With performances for club and country, one cannot fault West Ham for potentially going all in for £34m for the player.
Even though the player is 25, he could be a literal steal for the price. Deemed to be the replacement for the departed Declan Rice, he could be a great addition for Moyes.
What next for Liverpool?
As for Liverpool, they are incredibly focused on bringing Romeo Lavia to Anfield. With the quality the teenager showed last season, he could be a game-changer under Klopp.
Still 19, he would be entering his prime years soon and Liverpool could reap the benefits.
He would also be a great addition, not just for the next season, but for many more years to come as well.
With the new season fast approaching, the Reds need to act quickly in the coming days.
I’m a football enthusiast and an avid writer and someone who lives by the Bill Shankly quote, on a day to day basis.
