Liverpool are reportedly set to begin talks for Bournemouth winger Arnaut Danjuma who could be yet another unpolished gem that arrives at Anfield.
According to Turkish journalist Ekrem Konur on Twitter, Liverpool are set to begin talks with Bournemouth for Dutch international winger Arnaut Danjuma.
The 24-year-old joined Bournemouth in 2019 but struggled with injuries and failed to find the back of the net all campaign. The Cherries were relegated that season, and the drop-down helped Danjuma gather his bearings in England. He scored 15 goals and made seven assists, leading Bournemouth to the Championship playoffs.
While they eventually fell short, Danjuma’s performances struck a chord with many sides, including Liverpool. The Reds already have one of the most potent front three in world football. However, we have seen in recent seasons that their powers may be on the wane.
The trio of Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane is not getting any younger either and will need to be eventually replaced. But for now, they look set to lead Jurgen Klopp’s attack for the upcoming 2021/22 season. Adding Danjuma to the squad will offer the German manager another option to bring off the bench and potentially mould into an eventual starter.
Still just 24, the Dutchman has much to prove and is still yet to reach his prime. While his game could certainly do with some refining, there is no better place than Liverpool to do so. None of Firmino, Mane or Salah arrived at Anfield, a bonafide superstar. Klopp and his management team deserve a lot of credit for polishing rough diamonds, and Danjuma could be their latest project yet.
While his lone season in the Premier League was largely a bust, it does not tell the whole story. He made 78 presses in his 14 games, winning back the ball 38 times. He also made three blocks and 12 interceptions during that time. While the numbers could be improved, his qualities look suited for a team such as Liverpool who defend from the front and attack from the back.
For a team that has made winning the ball high up the pitch a habit, Danjuma’s raw potential and playing style is a blessing. He can also play anywhere along the frontline, adding to the Reds’ fluid attack that uses interchangeability to its maximum.
Danjuma’s statistics pale when compared to Liverpool’s starting attackers. But then it is to be expected given where they are at in their career. The Dutchman has the potential to get much better, and his return to goalscoring form is a bonus. A left-winger, he could learn much from Mane and provide Klopp with another option in attack apart from Diogo Jota.
With Xherdan Shaqiri looking set to leave, Liverpool need to bring in another attacker. Danjuma fits the bill and has the aura of an under the radar signing that the Reds have become adept at landing in recent years. The 24-year-old can only achieve so much at Bournemouth and appears to have reached that threshold. A move to Liverpool is a big step and will raise expectations tenfold. But then there is no better place for him to test whether he truly belongs at the top level.
Knowing Bournemouth they’ll be wanting more than Dortmund paid for Malen.