Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been discussing the end of the window and albeit there was no shutting down of potential further incoming, it appears as though nothing is imminent either.
The Reds have currently a net loss of midfield options from last season, although those signed are seemingly more prepared to play major roles in the campaign all being well.
However, with Ibrahima Konate, Curtis Jones and Thiago all absent through injury already, there is already a microscopic focus on the squad as the 2023/24 campaign begins to ramp up.
As we reach the final days of the window, I’ve spoken to the best reporters and journalists from those clubs with players still being linked with a move to Anfield…
‘He Never Stops!’ | Bundesliga Commentator On Liverpool Bound Wataru Endo
RYAN GRAVENBERCH – “Klopp still wants him” – SportBILD Reporter Tobi Altschaffl
Heavily linked all summer, the young Dutch midfield remains out of favour at the Bundesliga giants and as such, could perhaps still push for a late move away from the Allianz.
Tobi said: “Klopp still wants him, he’s a candidate. Not sure he has a ‘green light’ from Bayern but It’s possible that he can go but Bayern wants some money, at least £20m.
“We will see what’s going to happen. It’s exciting how it’s going to end, I think there is still a chance that in the final days of the window, something could happen.”
MANU KONE – “It’s what Jurgen Klopp is looking for…” SportBild Reporter Tobi Altschaffl
Another familiar name indexed to Anfield, Kone’s chances of a move appeared to be scuppered when he picked up a knee injury in the U21 Euros. However, back to fitness and in action, the Frenchman has appeared on the radar once more and with Jorg Schmadtke’s son, Nils, now the Sporting Director at Monchengladbach, this is a deal that could get down with relative ease.
Speaking on the French midfielder, Tobi said that following talks with ‘higher representatives’ at Borussia Monchengladbach Kone has an ‘aim’ to make a move this summer, however, Liverpool are currently not ‘leading the race’ to land the 21-year-old as things stand and therefore it is ‘not hot’ at present.
He went on to say that Kone’s ‘flexible’ style and ability to play in different midfield roles is ‘what Jurgen Klopp is looking for’ in the final days of the transfer window.
ANDRÉ – “Wants to play in the Premier League” – Fluminense Journalist For Esporte News Mundo Cauã Tinoco
With speculation rife about the Brazilian midfielder regarding a move for the talented 22-year-old Brazil international, I spoke with Caua to get the full perspective on what could transpire.
Caua said: “André’s release clause is something around €40million, and he will only leave this window for this amount. in December, I believe that it may come out for a lower amount. something around €25 to €30 million should be enough to get him out of Fluminense.
“André wants to play in the Premier League and would accept Liverpool. It’s one of the biggest clubs in Europe and as far as we know, they’re looking for a top player. In my opinion, André would arrive right away to compete for his space, he is a ready player.
“At the beginning of the year, André and the president of Fluminense made an agreement that the player would only leave if the club was eliminated from Libertadores, which did not happen. Fluminense is in the quarterfinals of the tournament and is one of the favourites, André is fundamental and wants to help the club to be champion this year.
“The final scenario can only be the following: either Liverpool pay the €40million and negotiate directly with André to take him now or pay the amount that Fluminense would accept, but only taking André in December. I think the player will stay at Fluminense until the end of this year.”
‘He Can Play Anywhere In The World!’ | André’s Former Manager
ARTHUR THEATE – “Theate was on the list” L’Equipe Journalist Emery Taisne
Another name linked to The Reds recently was Arthur Theate, at 23 years old, the Belgian international fits the profile of a left-sided central defender who can also operate as a left-back.
However, I’ve spoken to the man who wrote the initial report and it appears as though Liverpool may already have lost ground on the eight-cap ace.
“Just know that Theate was on the list but not the priority if anything has changed. Theate is more close to Leipzig but Leipzig wasn’t able to finalise the deal (loan fee + obligation to buy). And Rennes need to find someone to replace him if he leaves. Don’t know if it’s true but someone talked to me about an interest from Rennes for Matip.”
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
We witnessed first-hand the possibility of Liverpool plucking a relatively unknown transfer in the shape of Wataru Endo so therefore nothing should be considered off the cards in the final days of the window.
However, those names mentioned in Part One and here plus the likes perhaps of Sofyan Amrabat, David Hancko and Kalvin Phillips appear most likely to be arriving at the AXA between now and late on Friday night.
Redmen Reacts
Whoever it is incoming in my opinion Liverpool need to further bolster both the midfield and defensive department in order to have the very best chance of competing on all fronts this season.
Yes, the current squad with some luck on the injury and suspension side can challenge anyone, however, as history tells us all too clearly we are only ever one or two major blows away from a near-catastrophic campaign and put simply, adding another option in both departments would future proof the squad.
Whilst it’s late in the day, there is good business still to be done and hopefully Liverpool can achieve some…
