Bournemouth are unwilling to part ways with Liverpool target Lloyd Kelly
In the landscape of football transfer rumours, one player who continues to see himself linked with a move to Liverpool is Lloyd Kelly. The Bournemouth defender has been on the Reds’ radar for quite some time, even before he made his move to the Cherries. Known for his versatility as a centre-back who can also operate on the left, Kelly’s potential arrival at Anfield has sparked discussions among Liverpool faithful.
However, in a surprising move, Bournemouth seems resolute in holding on to the 25-year-old defender, even though this decision carries the risk of losing him for nothing when his contract expires in the summer.
The club’s determination to retain Kelly stems from its current situation where they find themselves entangled in a relegation battle, Bournemouth see the defender as a crucial asset in their fight for survival and rightly value their place in the Premier League over losing a player on a Bosman move.
TeamTalk via liverpool.com suggests that while Spurs see themselves positioned as the front-runners to secure the signature of Lloyd Kelly, AC Milan presents an enticing option on the continent. But as earlier mentioned, Bournemouth have firmly declared their stance against any potential January departure, regardless of the interested parties.
No Kelly for the Reds?
This development poses a double blow for Liverpool. Firstly, the prospect of losing out to Spurs in the race for Kelly’s signature is a bitter pill to swallow. The versatile defender could have brought tactical flexibility to Jurgen Klopp’s defensive options, offering cover at both centre-back and left-back positions. Kelly’s skill set aligns with the team’s requirements with Trent Alexander-Arnold inverting more often than not on the right side.
Secondly, the realisation that Bournemouth remain unwavering in its decision not to entertain any offers in January adds another layer of complexity to Liverpool’s transfer plans. However, we must also accept the fact that reinforcement in this department is not urgent, as is the case when it comes to our requirements in defensive midfield.
However, in the grand scheme of Liverpool’s current needs, the need for a robust defensive midfielder takes the stage. The midfield has been a focal point of concern (a defensive midfielder), and addressing this area has become more urgent than pursuing another player for the backline.
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While the disappointment of potentially missing out on Kelly lingers, the Reds must redirect their focus to strengthen themselves in the middle of the park and get on board a smart defensive midfield instead of playing a creative midfielder like Alexis Mac Allister in an unnatural position.
