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Transfer News: Liverpool still keen on signing talented Belgian midfielder

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By Aniket Rai

Transfer News: Liverpool still keen on signing Lille midfielder Amadou Onana

According to the Athletic (Subscription Required) [h/t the Mirror], Liverpool are still admirers of Amadou Onana, who plays for Lille in Ligue 1.

The young midfielder has grabbed the attention of some top teams this summer after an impressive season in France. Now 20, he has already won his first cap for the Belgian international team.

West Ham United, Newcastle United, and Arsenal are also apparently keen on adding him to their ranks. That surely means that a deal to sign the youngster will not be straightforward.

Amadou Onana in action for Lille. (Image: Ligue 1 website)
Amadou Onana in action for Lille. (Image: Ligue 1 website)

The Reds would be smart to sign Onana, but only if they can map a plan for his progression at the club. The Dakar-born defensive midfielder plays as a number six and can deputise as a centre-back if required.

A wise move?

Right now, Fabinho Tavares is our main man in that position. The defensive department is also covered with the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Ibrahima Konate, and Joel Matip still at the club.

But signing the Lille enforcer makes sense if he is open to being Fabinho’s understudy. We have almost never had a natural backup for the former AS Monaco player in that role.

Fabinho in Liverpool training.
Fabinho in Liverpool training.

Georginio Wijnaldum deputised there on certain occasions before he left for PSG. Currently, Jordan Henderson takes up that role in case Fabinho has to sit out.

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A natural backup for him in that position would go a long way in increasing our depth and providing adequate cover for Fabinho. We cannot afford to overwork one of our main players, especially when we are gunning for titles on all fronts.