FSG are willing to sanction Julian Ward’s next big Liverpool move in the shape of Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong in the summer, according to Sport.
The Lowdown: Previous links
De Jong, who is valued at a whopping £63m by Transfermarkt, has been linked with a move to Anfield previously, with news outlets on the continent claiming in December that the Reds are ‘crazy‘ about signing him.
De Jong at Liverpool?
Yes, no brainer!
No, not needed!
Reports all the way back in 2019 suggested that Jurgen Klopp was offered the 24-year-old’s services but turned down the chance to sign the central midfielder.
He has since gone on to make 120 appearances for Barcelona after leaving Ajax, but it seems as if the Reds are still tracking his situation.
The Latest: Liverpool keen
According to Spanish outlet Sport, both Liverpool and Bayern Munich are willing to pay for De Jong in the summer.
Ward, replacing Michael Edwards, was crucial in bringing Luis Diaz to Anfield according to Klopp, and it seems as though he now has his next target.
However, the report adds that the player is happy at the Nou Camp and sees ‘a lot of future’ with the Catalan giants.
The Verdict: Needed?
The Reds have seven midfield options at this moment in time, one of which is James Milner, who is out of contract at the end of the season.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will also be into the final 12 months of his deal in the summer while Thiago and Naby Keita have both struggled with injuries, so a marquee midfield addition of someone like De Jong could be a wise call.
There’s no doubting his ability either, with Dutch legend Ronald Koeman hailing his maturity at a young age as ‘amazing‘, while Barcelona boss Xavi called him ‘extraordinary‘.
However, you could argue that bringing in De Jong could hinder Harvey Elliott’s development into a first-team regular under Klopp – the Dutchman has often been deployed in that slightly more advanced role rather than the defensive position he played at Ajax.
It will be interesting to see if FSG decide to make a move for the Barcelona man, and it appears as if they are willing to pay big for a player who still has over four years remaining on his contract.
In other news: Liverpool in pole position to sign ‘extraordinary’ player who Klopp absolutely loves.Â
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