🔴 EOTK INSIDER 🔴: Update on £40m midfielder pursuit, the stupidity of Klopp's critics... and more! ✍️
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It’s been a long old summer, particularly as far as the transfer window is concerned, with Liverpool still yet to secure another signing beyond Ibrahima Konate.
Given the world-class array of options at Jurgen Klopp’s disposal, that normally wouldn’t necessarily be an issue.
Don’t fix what ain’t broke, right?
Except, we’ve seen this formidable side lose a world-class talent in Georginio Wijnaldum.
Prime amongst his talents was sheer durability - the midfielder missed LESS THAN SIX PER CENT of the total league fixtures available for Liverpool since he switched from Newcastle United in 2016.
‘Durable’ hardly cuts it. Wijnaldum was simply superhuman.
Yet, as the close of the window looks set to greet us all in four days’ time, we appear no closer to filling that rather considerable vacancy.
When questioned on the matter, Klopp was keen to brush off any concerns with his available midfield options, rattling off the names at his disposal.
On the face of it, one can understand the German’s faith in his squad. From Jordan Henderson to Curtis Jones, there is considerable quality available, and beyond the presumed strongest starting trio too.
Naby Keita, a once highly-rated talent in the Bundesliga, shone in pre-season and was quietly exceptional against Norwich City and Burnley. Harvey Elliott, an exciting teenager many presumed would be saved for the domestic cups, has likewise impressed.
“Last weekend doesn’t mean that Harvey is the saviour of our midfield problem because we don’t have one,” the German spoke in his pre-match presser. “But if Gini is still here, then Harvey wouldn’t have played this game probably. But now he played and he played well. Great.”
In leaving Liverpool, Wijnaldum has enabled Elliott and Keita to be handed chances.
Of course, had the likes of Thiago Alcantara, Jordan Henderson and Fabinho been fully fit, one might fairly wonder as to whether either of the pair would have experienced much in the way of game time beyond cameo appearances.
Regardless, you have to handle the circumstances placed before you and the reality is that neither of the duo disappointed when called upon.
Links to midfielders will continue to crop up until the window fully closes at the end of August but it seems that Liverpool aren’t paying any attention to the rumours.
If the right man should show up at this late stage, the recruitment team will set the gears in motion, but until that point, Klopp appears more than happy with the names at his disposal.
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#Ep9 of The Red Nets Podcast (Special Edition): Jose Enrique on what transfers Liverpool need, Harvey Elliott, Lukaku v Van Dijk… and more!
Jose Enrique joins us once again as we near the transfer window close to discuss the Liverpool squad and what signings he reckons we could with making. The former Red has a rather interesting take on Klopp’s comments post-Burnley and talks about the exciting upcoming battle between Romelu Lukaku and Virgil van Dijk… and more!
Reliable Brighton journalist issues update on Liverpool’s pursuit of Bissouma following reports of Reds opening talks with Seagulls
Yves Bissouma has been something of a regular feature of the transfer window… for the most part… attracting links to the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool. With Georginio Wijnaldum having departed earlier in the summer, the Malian had been strongly tipped to replace the reliable Dutchman in the middle of the park. Brighton journalist Andy Naylor has had his say on the likelihood of such an occurence.
EOTK Insider Opinion: Klopp’s critics have completely missed the point… his post-Burnley comments have just been another excuse to attack the German
Jurgen Klopp attracted controversy with his post-Burnley complaints regarding the officiating of Sean Dyche’s rough tackling Clarets. His critics seem to have completely missed the nuance behind the German’s argument, however, accusing the former Dortmund boss of mind games and ‘pantomine’. Writing for EOTK Insider, Farrell Keeling ardently disagrees.
Jurgen Klopp issues a hint on the possibility of a Liverpool extension beyond 2024…
It seems a long time in the future but someday Jurgen Klopp won’t be Liverpool manager anymore. It’s an absolutely terrifying prospect to consider and hopefully one that can be delayed a few years.
And last but not least…
Saul could be available on loan… why aren’t Liverpool moving for him?
During the week it emerged that both Chelsea and Manchester United had enquired about Atletico Madrid’s Saul Niguez. The former have reportedly suggested a loan deal with an option to buy, which raises the question as to why Liverpool aren’t considering such a deal after having lost Wijnaldum.