With the return of The Anfield Index Transfer Podcast with Trev Downey and Dave Davis, we look at the teams who are bang in trouble and where Liverpool could swoop in. With the need for serious reinforcements this summer and a history of picking up bargains from a similar situation (Robertson, Wijnaldum etc), it wouldn’t be any surprise to see certain players swapping the championship for Anfield before the next campaign. On the back of part one and two we look at the final options that the Reds could turn to this summer.
ARMEL BELLA-KOTCHUP
With Southampton’s perilous position at the foot of the table and the young German defender’s performances this season, there will be interest in him whether it be from Liverpool or not. Bella-Kotchup has already confirmed he sees Virgil Van Dijk as a role model and in a Sky Sports interview in April said he’d love to meet him for a coffee. Having been bought from Bochum for around €10 million, it’s expected that an amount slightly above double should be enough to convince Southampton to part with the 21 year old who would jump at the chance.
His style has already caught the eye of many and with Matip or Gomez likely to leave and Konate’s injury concerns the Reds are definitely in the market for a centre half. Standing 1m 90cm, Bella-Kotchup is known for his recovery pace and ability to read the game (98th percentile in interceptions compared to similar centre backs on FBREF). His strength, physique and style do resemble Van Dijk and it wouldn’t be any surprise if he was brought in as another mentee for the Dutchman.
AMADOU ONANA
A player that Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool looked at before he made the move across Stanley Park, it could be an outside bet for one they may resurrect this summer. Having cost Everton £33 million plus add-ons, they may have to accept a slight loss on the player, but there will be interest from the Premier League no doubt. The Belgian midfielder is a real box-to-box player whose physicality and imposing frame are suited to our game. Whilst he possesses a natural tackling and aerial ability, there is still a rawness to the 21 year old’s style and the fact he attempts less than 36 passes on average per game isn’t a standard profile for a Liverpool midfielder. However, in a relegation threatened team and with Everton’s style that is understandable. He’s not been mentioned yet and there would be a few hurdles, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if we or other English teams came in for him.
WILFRED NDIDI
Similar to Onana, Ndidi is a player that we and other clubs have been linked with previously and for the right fee there could be interest. The 26 year old has played in both the holding midfield role and central defence for Leicester this season which could make him even more attractive given our current needs. With a mass exodus of players expected from the king power this summer and having only a year left on his deal, Ndidi could be picked up for a nominal fee in a summer where we’ve heard the budget needs to be used wisely. Strong in the air and at interceptions, the Nigerian midfielder has real Premier League experience and if it’s not Liverpool, then another team will likely swoop in for what could well be a bargain price.
Sorry, they are not good enough for liverpool
Totally agree, not good enough.