Despite losing several squad players over the summer, Liverpool have been quiet in the transfer market. The much-needed acquisitions of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai got many fans excited for a summer spending spree, but since then, the Reds haven’t brought in any other players.
So, what of the rumours that West Ham youngster Amara Nallo is set to sign for Jurgen Klopp’s side? Liverpool have long been known for signing promising youngsters before they step up to the first team at their respective clubs and increase their value. One of the main cases in point is Harvey Elliott, who joined from Fulham at the tender age of 16 and has proved he can make a difference.
But will Amara Nallo be able to replicate this success? Being a defender at Liverpool is a tough ask these days, as the once-compact side underwent a season of frustration last year, conceding 47 goals over the season. Most fans are craving a ripe and ready centre back to complement the established Van Dijk-Konaté partnership, but Nallo is evidently one for the future.
Stay with us for an exploration into Amara Nallo, his chances of joining Liverpool, and what it would mean for Jurgen Klopp’s scousers.
Who is Amara Nallo?
First things first – who is Amara Nallo? The young West Ham defender has been causing a great deal of excitement in the youth setup over the past year or so, with scouts from several high-profile Premier League clubs watching him compete last season. The left-sided centre back would also be a particularly good match for Liverpool at the moment, as their need for a left-footed defender has been evident.
Nallo was born on 18 November 2006, making him one of the youngest transfer targets across Europe’s top divisions. Whether or not he could slot into the senior squad at Liverpool straight away is debatable, but there is every confidence inside the club that he could end up being a first team regular over the next few years.
Even so, Nallo is anything but the proven package. He has only played a handful of games for the West Ham U18 team, so most of the action that scouts have seen so far has been in training. The defender is quick and agile, so if he can bulk up enough to add strength to his game, there is definitely huge potential moving forwards.
Is Amara Nallo the player Jurgen Klopp needs?
Nobody can doubt Amara Nallo’s potential, but with the departure of Nat Phillips imminent, is he exactly what Jurgen Klopp needs? With the greatest respect to the youngster, he almost certainly isn’t going to be playing for the senior team straight away.
Many fans will probably see this as yet another frustrating example of the Liverpool owners FSG’s reluctance to spend proper money in the transfer market, especially seeing as the Reds could definitely do with a new centre back able to slot effortlessly into the first XI if required. Most people wouldn’t argue that Jurgen Klopp especially needs Nallo for the time being.
On the flipside, securing a talented youngster before their market price balloons is exactly what Liverpool have shown themselves so good at, time and time again. If Nallo can make good on his potential it will be hailed as a masterstroke by Klopp, who is evidently looking to build the squad for long-term success.
Will Amara Nallo join Liverpool?
It’s looking more and more likely by the day that Nallo will join Liverpool, with West Ham reportedly satisfied with the package on offer. The famous transfer market guru Fabrizio Romano has also confirmed that talks have been held, so we won’t be surprised if Nallo is unveiled as a Liverpool player at some stage in the next few weeks.
Liverpool Premier League betting: who to watch out for
With Liverpool’s squad experiencing some upheaval over the summer, fans and sports bettors alike will need to get acquainted with the new-look midfield in particular. Whether you’re placing a lucky 15 accumulator or backing one of the new signings to score, you’ll need to know the players to watch out for.
Mohamed Salah is still bound to be the player to make a difference and cannot be overlooked, especially for goals and chance creation. We also expect last summer’s signing Darwin Núñez to kick on this year and convert the numerous chances he gets on the end of.
Other Liverpool transfer targets
And what of other Liverpool transfer targets? Fans will be hoping deals for the likes of Roméo Lavia, André Santos and Ryan Gravenberch will be wrapped up by the end of the window, but only time will tell.