Transfer News: Liverpool, Newcastle United, PSG, Barcelona battle it out for AC Milan ace Franck Kessie
According to transfer news on Italian outlet La Repubblica via Milan News (h/t Liverpool Echo), Liverpool are amongst a host of European clubs keeping an eye on AC Milan star Franck Kessie.
The Ivory Coast international is in the final few months of his contract at San Siro and there is nothing concrete to suggest that he will renew his deal there. And this has caught the eye of several clubs, including the Reds.
Barcelona, Newcastle United, and Paris-Saint Germain are the other three clubs linked with a move for the 25-year-old midfielder. That comes as no surprise, given his age profile and quality on and off the ball.
Jurgen Klopp’s men have a pretty solid midfield right now. But that doesn’t mean that they always have a plethora of options to select from, and those who watch the Reds in action on a regular basis would know the injury issues that spring up in their team every now and then.
Thiago Alcantara, Naby Keita, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have encountered a number of fitness issues ever since joining Liverpool, with the latter duo never really holding their place down as a regular starter week in, week out.
What next for Kessie and Liverpool?
James Milner is clearly in the twilight of his career, while Jordan Henderson’s recent underwhelming performances indicate that the club may be better off if they add to their midfield depth.
Harvey Elliott has also featured a couple of times in central midfield, but what Kessie offers is something that will aid Liverpool in the defensive side of things in the middle of the park. Largely a defensive midfielder by trade, the ex-Atalanta man specializes in breaking down attacks and shielding the defence.
Fabinho has for long been our only natural number 6 and while Georginio Wijnaldum deputized in that role when the Brazilian was absent, the Dutchman swapped Anfield for Parc des Princes last summer.
Our 4-3-3 system demands our midfielders be proactive when out of possession. A solid midfielder like Kessie, who isn’t shabby on the ball as well, would be a useful addition in that regard.
More Liverpool News:
- “Numbers are not important”- Klopp gives verdict on reaching managerial milestone with Liverpool vs Brentford
- Liverpool target and Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma is ‘eyeing a move’ to a top four club
- Transfer News: Liverpool ruled out of the race for Sevilla and France international Jules Kounde
There are bound to be obstacles along the way if we want to sign a highly-rated player like Kessie, with several clubs keen on signing him, but getting in a player of his quality on a potential free transfer is a prospect our board would be wise to not say no to.
