Liverpool look to have taken their first steps in this summer’s transfer market, with the signing of Alexis Mac Allister set to go through in the next few days. The Reds have been linked to a host of other midfield options, with interest in the likes of Matheus Nunes going back almost a year. Other rumours have surfaced in the past few weeks, including the possible signings of Khéphren Thuram and Manu Koné.
Sky Germany’s Florian ‘Plettigoal’ Plettenberg is no stranger to LFC transfer stories, having followed the Jude Bellingham pursuit over the course of the season. Plettenberg linked Bayern Munich’s Benjamin Pavard with a possible move to Anfield this week, with the Frenchman rumoured to be surplus to requirements as the German giants refresh their squad in the coming months.
On the latest episode of our Journo Insight Show, we asked goal.com’s Neil Jones for his thoughts on the Pavard story.
MAC ALLISTER FULL AGREEMENT COMPLETE! | Liverpool Transfer News Update
Neil said:
“I think you say he is an upgrade on Joe Gomez, personally. You look at his pedigree: he’s won the World Cup, he’s played a lot of years at Bayern, he’s played for France. But is Joe Gomez going?
“I can’t see Liverpool signing a right back to play right back for them. I think it would be more a centre back who can you can stick at right back. A bit of a Gomez if they were to do that. I think that would be hinging on whether Gomez leaves.
“I’m not sure about Pavard. He clearly looks like he wants to leave Bayern. He’s going to be one of those names I think that’s going to crop up in the next month or so.
“You’ve got the new manager in place in Tuchel. You’ve got changes in the boardroom as well, so it could be a summer of change. There’s plenty to keep an eye on over there.
“Pavard is a fine player with a fine pedigree, so I’m not amazed he’s linked with Liverpool. I’d be a little bit surprised if Liverpool bought him this summer.”
Whilst Liverpool’s midfield was always going to be the number one priority this summer, questions have been asked of their backup centre-backs over the course of the last season and beyond. The form and fitness of Joël Matip and Joe Gomez has been patchy throughout the campaign. With the potential fee for Alexis Mac Allister rumoured to be significantly lower than expected, there could be funds available for a relatively big-money signing in defence. Pavard – who was hailed as an ‘underrated’ performer recently by Thomas Tuchel – ticks a lot of boxes as a World Cup winner and experienced European campaigner, but would not likely come in as first choice. Given the possible options available to him, perhaps he will choose a side where first-team minutes are guaranteed. He has played across the back four for club and country, so he could be a versatile option. His experience at right back and centre back means he should be able to deputise for the injury-prone Ibou Konaté. One to keep an eye on.
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