Glen Johnson urges Liverpool to land rival PL midfielder next summer

Glen Johnson suggests that Liverpool need Mateo Kovacic in their midfield

Speaking to BetFred (h/t Liverpool Echo), Glen Johnson has suggested that Liverpool need Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic in their side.

Only people living under the rocks would not know that the Reds are interested in signing multiple midfielders in the coming summer window.

After pulling out from the transfer race to sign Jude Bellingham due to cost-related issues, Liverpool must nail the summer window to get even close to where they were in the past few seasons.

Johnson feels they should look at signing Kovacic, who brings a lot of energy and quality. Here’s what the former Liverpool fullback said (h/t Liverpool Echo

“I do believe he would be a massive loss to Chelsea. He’s the sort of player that goes unnoticed because he does all the ugly stuff, but he does it really well and other players around him play better as he’s prepared to do the dirty work that needs doing.

“I’m not surprised that many of the top clubs are linked with him and right now, I believe that out of the three suitors mentioned that Liverpool would need him most. He’s got bags of energy, charges around breaking up play and with Liverpool’s midfielders getting older, he could come in and slot in there very well.”

The Croatian international’s contract at Stamford Bridge expires in the summer of 2024 (Transfermarkt). A few weeks ago, it was reported that Manchester City are interested in signing him in the summer.

The 28-year-old has been an excellent servant for Chelsea since arriving from Real Madrid. He does a lot of ugly work in the middle of the park, can play the box-to-box role and is a decent passer of the ball.

While all that is good, Liverpool’s average age of the squad is anyway higher than it should be (27.1 – fourth oldest in the league this season). So, instead of signing another 28-year-old, they might look at players who are probably below 25 and have a higher ceiling ahead of them.

They are interested in signing the younger Chelsea player Mason Mount (24 years old). His contract also expires at the same time as Kovacic, with no sign of an extension yet.

More Liverpool News:

• Liverpool icon Robbie Fowler on the club’s midfield situation
• Conor Gallagher determined to stay in London amidst Liverpool links
• Bayern Munich’s Sadio Mane wants Liverpool return

The Reds should continue with their bid to sign the England international. They have also accelerated the process of getting 20-year-old Ryan Gravenberch from Bayern Munich as well. Signings like these would make them great again under Jurgen Klopp.