Liverpool, along with Southampton, have joined the race to sign Paul-Georges Ntep of Rennes, according to the Sun. The 24-year-old has been at Rennes since 2014 but has apparently refused to sign a new contract at the club. This would mean that the French striker would be available on a free in the summer and the Ligue 1 club could be looking to cash in on him.
Ntep is a French international striker and made his debut for the side in 2015. The 24-year-old has scored 16 Ligue 1 goals in 59 appearances and isn’t the most prolific when it comes to goal scoring but there is more to him that just finding the back of the net.
The youngster might not have scored a goal yet this season but that doesn’t seem to be affecting his market value or interest in him. His ability to play out wide could be a reason why Jurgen Klopp is interested in signing him. There isn’t a history of him doing all that well in pressing teams, so this choice could be a bit of a gamble by Klopp.
A Frenchman under the German manager?
Truth be told, the youngster might not be the best choice for Liverpool at the moment. This seems to be just another rumour that has been put out there trying to link a player up with a big club. Ntep hasn’t played regularly for the national side as well, so again, the signing of the 24-year-old looks unlikely.
As stated many times before, Jurgen Klopp isn’t someone who will splash the cash on an unknown player and never in January will he make a move. This probably is a ploy to get him on the radar of some clubs and hopefully pull him out of Rennes in the winter window.
A striker needed for Liverpool
It isn’t wrong to say that Liverpool needs a new striker at the club. After the performance of Daniel Sturridge since the start of this season, the Reds need a marksman who can fit into their fluid system.
While the Reds were poor against Manchester United, the team needed better movement in the final third and when Roberto Firmino and Adam Lallana moved about, after the substitution of Sturridge, Liverpool looked much better in attack.
It wasn’t the best showing for the former Chelsea and Manchester City man and his lack of fitting into the Klopp way is growing with every game. Sturridge might still be the best striker and finisher in England but if Klopp wants him to go, the Englishman will have to leave.
It will be interesting to see just who does want to buy Daniel Sturridge but one thing is certain, he will be leaving Anfield sooner rather than later.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97gVEWdbfBA
