Rumour Mongering: Rating the Zaire-Emery, Isak, Huijsen Links
Let’s look into recent links with these players.
The transfer window may have just ended, but Liverpool FC have already been linked with some fresh and intriguing transfer rumours.
Let’s look at some intriguing ones that have come up over the past week.
1) Warren ZaĂ¯re-Emery, 18 years old, France, Paris St. Germain
Sam McGuire published this rumour at Anfield Watch. At only 18 years old, he has already made over 100 senior appearances for PSG. As a player, he blends defensive diligence with creative flair and would definitely offer Liverpool and Arne Slot the fluid and multifaceted presence in midfield they have been looking for.
Per McGuire’s reporting, Liverpool have been in touch with Jorge Mendes, with whom they have a good relationship, and they believe they can turn his head. Supposedly, the player has already held talks with Ibrahima Konate about a potential move to Merseyside. It is noted that while the player is understood to be happy in Paris, he is also open to a new challenge and to venture out of his comfort zone. The report also notes that his girlfriend, Oceane Toussaint, plays as a goalkeeper for PSG’s women’s team.
Personally, I find it hard to see it happening. No complaints with the talent ID on this one. it’s a phenomenal fit. Easing Gravenberch’s minutes burden with a younger and nearly like-for-like player? Genius. But with PSG ditching the superstar model and building on a nucleus of local French talent these days, it’s really, really difficult to see them parting with an academy product. I’d be delighted if
2) Alexander Isak, 25 years old, Sweden, Newcastle United
The rumour seemed like one of those fan account pipe dreams, but it has recently gained some steam.
According to The i Paper‘s Mark Douglas, a reporter who primarily covers Newcastle, the links surrounding Liverpool signing the attacker “appear to have some substance” after some tenuous links up to now. Douglas speculates that the asking price would be £150m, which would smash the British transfer record”, with both Arsenal and Liverpool having interest, along with FC Barcelona.
Splashing big money around has always seemed to be a big barrier for Liverpool, and that’s no different. However, I would not be surprised if any of Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz, or Diogo Jota depart Merseyside in the summer. Especially with that rumour of a Saudi bid for Nunez close to being accepted in January, I do believe we should see some shuffling in the attacking side of things in the summer.
Whether it will be Isak, though, remains to be seen. Newcastle’s PSR issues seemed to have been cleared up, and there should not be a lot of financial pressure for them to sell. If they do, it will be for an astronomical fee. Perhaps the Reds having kept their powder dry the previous summer plus a Saudi fee would help finance a potential Liverpool big.
3.) Dean Huijsen, 19 years old, Spain, AFC Bournemouth
Liverpool FC were briefly linked with Huijsen when he was set to leave Juventus, before Bournemouth quickly snapped him up last summer.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Huijsen has a £50m release clause that will kick in this summer. He also cites Bayern Munich, Chelsea, and Newcastle United as other interested parties.
The release clause makes it easy, but Jörg Schmadtke no longer works here. I wouldn’t be surprised if Liverpool do move for him because of that. Still, with several positions that need upgrades like left-back and striker, I could see Liverpool not spending that much on a rotational player at centre-back to save their spending to pay for starters at other positions. Other options, like Ajax’s Jorell Hato, who can play both centre-back and left-back, could also be attained for a cheaper fee.
Source: liverpooloffside.sbnation.com
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