Liverpool are monitoring Eintracht Frankfurt striker Randal Kolo Muani ahead of a potential move to the Premier League, according to reports.
The Lowdown: Firmino successor needed
Jurgen Klopp has recently confirmed that Roberto Firmino will be leaving Anfield upon the expiration of his contract at the end of the season, and despite having plenty of other attacking options at his disposal, he’s on the hunt to find a successor in the summer.
The French international’s deal at the Deutsche Bank Park isn’t set to run out until 2027, but being Oliver Glasner’s top-performing player, has caught the eye of the Reds boss.
FSG reportedly held an interest in the 24-year-old before he joined the Bundesliga outfit, who are expecting to receive bids from potential suitors during the upcoming window.
The Latest: Liverpool eyeing Kolo Muani
According to SportBild (via Sport Witness), Liverpool are ‘watching’ Kolo Muani having ‘set their sights’ on him as a potential replacement for Firmino.
Frankfurt could suffer ‘bad consequences’ but are determined to keep hold of their prized asset and have therefore demanded that any interested club will have to pay ‘over €100m’ (£87m) to secure his services in the summer.
Sporting director Markus Krosche has told the forward that it would be best for his development to stay where he is, though it’s stated that he could ‘consider a change’ if a suitor was to offer him the ‘right sporting perspective’.
English top-flight rivals Manchester United also have the talisman on their ‘agenda’.
The Verdict: Perfect candidate
Kolo Muani has been hailed a ‘top-class talent' by journalist Zach Lowy and he would be the perfect candidate to take over Firmino’s role at Liverpool from the start of the 2023/24 term.
The Bondy native has clocked up a remarkable 30 goal contributions (16 goals and 14 assists) in just 34 Frankfurt appearances since joining, which makes him the prolific profile of player you can’t turn down.
The Adidas-sponsored star ranks in the 95th percentile for most successful take-ons and the 93rd percentile for most progressive carries per game, highlighting his desire to attack even when he’s not on the scoresheet (FBRef).
Finally, Kolo Muani is comfortable operating anywhere across a frontline so would add plenty of versatility to the squad, having previously played in five positions, which will be yet another attractive attribute to Klopp.