Liverpool are close to completing their fourth signing of the summer and this name is going to be a shock for most of the fans. According to Le Telegramme (h/t Sky Sports), little-known holding midfielder Benjamin Andre is being mentioned as a surprise £15.3m target for the Reds.
A Quiet Summer
It has been a mixed summer of sorts this transfer window at the Merseyside. There hasn’t been a flurry of action like the one we are witnessing at Everton or Manchester City. Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool went for quality buys in this inflated market.
Dominic Solanke is already looking like a steal; especially since he has come for free from Chelsea – pending compensation. Mohamed Salah too has integrated well and is one of our long-term targets. Andrew Robertson from Hull City solves our problem on the left-hand side of the defence.
No Naby Keita
One player we have been continuously linked to was Naby Keita from RB Leipzig although the Guinean international was out of our bounds because of Leipzig’s resistance.
With Lucas Leiva having already left the club, Klopp would want a new signing to add competition to the holding midfield position. Emre Can’s contract situation is a concern too, although that’s sure to be resolved before winter.
Benjamin, Who?
The Rennes midfielder can fill many positions, but as a holding midfielder though, he proved his mettle in Ligue1 last season. His keenness to get in the way of dangerous shots has seen him top the interceptions table. Over the last couple of years, he has established himself as one of the most consistent performers for Rennes, having played in 68 of the 76 matches.
There are questions in some quarters over his adaptability but the success of N’Golo Kante with Leicester City and Chelsea has quashed any doubts. If anything, Ligue1 performers have become the new talking points for Premier League teams.
Despite Liverpool’s interest, the midfielder revealed that he is only focused on his future at Rennes. He was quoted by The Express,
“There is a project here that everyone knows. I was at one point in my career where I had to make decisions, I had one year left.
“There were other options but [the fact] I am no longer the youngster made me want to continue with the Rennes. [I want] to go as high as possible [with Rennes this season].”
With the start of the season just a week away, Klopp would be looking to add the final touches to his squad. Interest in Virgil van Dijk of Southampton is sure to garner top attention but a move for Andre could also be on the cards, despite the midfielder’s stance on his future.
What do you think?
