Sky Sports pundit Kevin Campbell has claimed that Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans ‘would be interested’ in joining Liverpool this summer.
The Lowdown: Thiago ruled out
The Belgian has now entered the final year of his deal at the King Power and has been linked with a move away from the Foxes before the end of the window, with fellow Premier League side Arsenal emerging as strong contenders for his signature.
Thiago Alcantara was forced off the pitch during the Reds’ 2-2 opening day draw against Fulham last weekend with a hamstring injury, meaning that Jurgen Klopp could now be eyeing a reinforcement to cover the Spaniard’s six-week spell on the sidelines.
The Latest: Campbell’s encouragement
Asked by Football Insider whether Liverpool should consider making a move for Tielemans, Campbell said:
“He has craft in his game.
“It is one of them, he is there with a year left on his contract. If the opportunity came about, could it happen?
“I’m sure Tielemans would be interested in a move to Liverpool.
“When you look at Thiago, his game and what he brings to Liverpool, Tielemans could go someway to replacing that. Thiago brings craft to that Liverpool midfield. Tielemans brings that as well.
“He could also add goals to that side. He would give Liverpool another dimension, if was he to go to Anfield.”
The Verdict: Magician in midfield
Alongside Thiago, Jurgen Klopp also has both Curtis Jones and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain out with respective injuries, so buying a new midfielder before the window closes may become a necessity.
The 25-year-old Leicester star, described as ‘absolute magic’ by sports journalist Josh Bunting, helped himself to six goals and four assists in the top-flight last season, also averaging 2.3 tackles per game, via WhoScored, with the ability to graft and win possession back in central areas a quality that the German boss admires.
Liverpool are already said to be eyeing a move for Matheus Nunes from Sporting CP, though Tielemans would no doubt be a welcome creative addition with fans happy to see him walking through the doors at Anfield instead.