One of Jürgen Klopp’s big judgement calls ahead of his side’s demolition of Manchester United last Sunday was leaving out Stefan Bajčetić. The 18-year-old has been a revelation since his step up to first-team football and is expected to become part of a midfield evolution over the next year.
Liverpool look likely to lose three options in the middle of the park at the end of the season, with Jude Bellingham and Mason Mount heavily tipped to join Bajčetić in a much-needed strengthening of the squad.
Another possible target is Leicester City’s Youri Tielemans, according to reports from Football Insider. The 25-year-old is expected to leave the Foxes on a free transfer when his contract expires in June.
On the latest episode of our Journo Insight Show, we asked goal.com’s Neil Jones about the Tielemans links.
Neil said: “He’s a good player, very good footballer, isn’t he? Strikes the ball well, classy sort of player. Physically, I see problems with him getting around the pitch, bringing a presence to the team.
“I don’t think it has gone particularly well for him in the last 18 months. It feels a little bit like something went in terms of the hunger and consistency of his performances.
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“Arsenal have been looking for midfielders and they went and bought Jorginho, a 32-year-old, in January. I don’t think there was even a hint that they were going to buy Tielemans when they couldn’t get Caicedo. That does set your alarm bells ringing a little bit.
“I can’t see a world where he’s the one Liverpool want or he’s one of the ones Liverpool want. I think they’ll be looking at different types of midfielders and I think, number one – his legs and presence. You obviously want quality, but I think people who can run relentlessly, people who are consistent in their performances, and people who’ve got presence and really fit straight into that midfield. I’d have doubts over Tielemans as a perfect fit.”
Redmen Reacts
Like Liverpool’s Naby Keita, Tielemans has looked unlikely to sign a new deal for some time. At first glance, it is easy to see why he would be an attractive free signing for a number of Premier League clubs. An FA Cup winner with almost 150 league appearances for Leicester, the Belgian still has his best years ahead of him at 25, despite making his Champions League debut almost a decade ago. Tielemans was also a World Cup semi-finalist in 2018 and is famous for his highlight reel long-distance shooting. His career has mirrored his club and has stagnated somewhat in recent years. He does not seem like a classic Klopp midfielder and would likely be down the pecking order in terms of summer signings. His arrival would only make sense because of the lack of a fee, although most fans would probably accept the Reds looking at free transfers if their budget has been blown on a certain young Englishman.
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