Liverpool completed a significant chunk of its rebuild over the summer, but focus is on the midfield. Next up has to be the defense.
There’s a renewed focus on that following the serious injury to Joël Matip. Mindful of not just signing any player but getting the right one, Jürgen Klopp has played down the possibility of a January transfer, but strengthening the back line is surely on the Liverpool agenda.
Klopp certainly won’t have lost faith in Jarell Quansah overnight, but the youngster did concede a penalty as Liverpool scraped past Crystal Palace. In fairness, Virgil van Dijk committed a foul in the box. It was at least equally as clumsy, only to be reprieved by an incident in the build-up. But the fact that Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konaté were both summoned before the hour mark. It suggests that any remaining depth is somewhat illusory.
But maybe this is not for the want of trying. A player Liverpool attempted to lure in the past now sees himself in the gossip columns again — this time with Manchester United apparently offering to double his wages.
Meanwhile, Barcelona is among the clubs looking at a young South American dubbed the mini Messi.
Ronald Araújo wanted after Liverpool ‘snub’
Uruguay center-back Ronald Araújo has become a mainstay for Barcelona. But it could have been different if Liverpool had its way around the time of his last contract extension.
Penning renewed terms in April 2022, Araújo set on staying at Barcelona. Per Sport, he told his representatives not to listen to offers from elsewhere. Nevertheless, both Liverpool and Chelsea ‘covered him with money’ to try and secure his signature.
However, the deal signed then only runs to 2026, and his future is now back on the agenda. Bayern Munich is pushing hard — Thomas Tuchel called. According to Florian Plettenberg — although it’s unclear whether Araújo is interested. Meanwhile, per Mundo Deportivo, Manchester United has offered to double his salary.
Mini Lionel Messi’ liked by Barcelona and Chelsea
As far as nicknames for young footballers go, ‘Messinho’ (mini Messi) is among the most flattering. It’s also a potential poisoned chalice, as many could attest. Former Dundee United prospect Ryan Gauld among them.
Nevertheless, Estevao Willian is held in very high esteem by a number of top clubs. Still just 16, Brazilian side Palmeiras would nonetheless expect a fee in the region of $43m (£34m/€40m). That’s per Mundo Deportivo, citing Goal in Brazil.
‘Messinho’ would need to turn 18 before moving to Europe, although a deal could be agreed in advance. The Spanish giants have long utilized this tactic. However, sure enough, Barcelona is very interested in this apparent Messi heir. The same report from the Spanish outlet quotes the youngster as saying that the Nou Camp is his biggest dream.
But that won’t stop Chelsea from an attempt to involve. It is supposedly already talking to Palmeiras.
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