Liverpool are lining up an audacious bid for Lyon midfield prodigy Mohamed Bahlouli in summer, according to reports. The Reds lost Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona in January but they might have found the Brazilian playmaker’s replacement.
Bahlouli, an 18-year-old midfielder, has earned rave reviews for his displays for Lyon’s Under-19 side and has been tipped to make his Ligue 1 debut for their senior side in the near future.
His exploits with the Lyon academy teams have not gone unnoticed and it is understood that a host of top European clubs are eyeing a move for the teenager.
Liverpool are also one of the clubs interested in him, according to a report from France Football (h/t The Mirror). It is suggested that the Reds scouts are keenly monitoring Bahlouli’s progress at Lyon. In fact, a summer move to Anfield is reportedly a real possibility.
The report adds that the Merseyside-outfit could swoop in at the end of the season and Lyon are fully aware of their interest. The report claims Bahlouli is also keen on a move to Anfield after the end of the season as he is a big fan of Jurgen Klopp and his high-octane style of play.
Liverpool’s interest in the teenage prodigy has alerted Lyon, who are now trying everything possible to convince the midfielder to remain at the club. The Ligue 1 outfit know that Bahlouli has all the potential to be a future star and therefore want him to stay put at the club.
Lyon academy have a history of producing sublime talents and have launched the careers of a host of players, including Anthony Martial, Karim Benzema and Alexandre Lacazette.
The Lyon chiefs are waiting for an official summer bid from the Reds for the talented attacking midfielder. However, Liverpool will be hoping to convince Bahlouli to join the club’s academy structure and continue his development if they do decide to make a bid for him.
If the Reds are genuinely interested in the starlet, they would have to compete with a lot of clubs for his signature at the end of the season. It appears as if Klopp is interested in the 18-year-old midfielder and could make an approach sooner than later.
Should we come up with an offer, Bahlouli would find it very difficult to turn it down.
