The Athletic journalist James Pearce has reacted to comments made by former Arsenal star Paul Merson on Liverpool target Ozan Kabak.
Pearce fires back
Now a Sky Sports pundit, the ex-Gunners icon cast doubts over the 20-year-old due to how the Gelsenkirchen club are performing this season in the Bundesliga – bottom of the table with one win.
Kabak has reportedly passed a medical in line with a move to Anfield on an initial £1m loan move, with an £18m option to buy, via Paul Joyce.
Merson told Sky Sports, via Football Daily, that the mentality shift coming from a side that is losing to one that is expected to win, will be a challenge for the Turkey international.
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But in response to this, Pearce highlighted three players who came from similar backgrounds have gone on to be a success on Merseyside.
Robertson, Wijnaldum and Shaqiri all signed from relegated clubs and that turned out okay https://t.co/BneJJrbuz9
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) February 1, 2021
Transfer Tavern Verdict
Pearce is absolutely spot on here. Manager Jurgen Klopp is well known for prioritising player development, nurturing talent and elevating individuals to the next level.
All of the aforementioned stars are now Champions League and Premier League winners, with Wijnaldum and Shaqiri scoring some memorable goals on the way.
Time will tell whether Klopp can have a similar impact on Kabak, and if he can possibly cement a place in the starting line-up which has remained relatively unchanged in recent years.
In other news, Club owner provides “Rolls Royce” review of Liverpool transfer target.
