Liverpool have set their sights on Yves Bissouma, as a potential replacement for the departing Georginio Wijnaldum this summer.
According to an exclusive report from Goal, Yves Bissouma is one of the candidates to replace Georginio Wijnaldum this summer. Liverpool are bracing themselves for a busy transfer window, following their poor performances in the Premier League, owing to a plethora of injury-related problems.
As such, Jurgen Klopp is now determined to run a squad overhaul, as he prepares for life without Wijnaldum, among many others. The Dutchman’s current contract at Anfield expires at the end of the season, with the player being linked with a free transfer to FC Barcelona in the summer.
As a result, Liverpool have now set their sights on potential replacement options, with Bissouma among players the club is keeping a close eye on. The Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder has become an overnight sensation in the Premier League, following his consistent performances at the base of Graham Potter’s tactical setup.
A former member of the LOSC Lille academy, Bissouma’s aggressive style of play, combined with his work-ethic, dynamism and physicality make him a tailor-made replacement for someone like Wijnaldum. It also tunes in well with Klopp’s Gegenpressing style of play, although that has come under heavy scrutiny, especially following a narrow defeat to Chelsea.
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Aside from tactical compatibility, Liverpool have had issues in regards to injuries, with Naby Keita, for one, still struggling with various knocks throughout his Anfield career. Bissouma, in that regard, offers the much-needed variety and depth of resources for Klopp in the midfield unit.
At the age of 24, the Malian international serves as an excellent long-term option for Liverpool and having already proved himself in the Premier League, he is indeed a safer option when compared to other alternatives including Florian Neuhaus.
The Reds, though, may face stiff competition in the pursuit of Bissouma. Real Madrid, for one, were linked with a move for the Brighton midfielder at the end of last year. It won’t be surprising to see them revisit their pursuit this summer, as Zinedine Zidane prepares a squad overhaul that could include the departure of several established stars.
Another key issue is the midfielder’s potential price tag, as Premier League players usually attract a hefty valuation. It could come to a point where Liverpool might be forced to look at alternatives from the other leagues, especially in the current financial climate.
