The Reds legend wants to see a raid launched on Brighton in the next window, while he is also backing Thiago Alcantara to thrive at Anfield
Liverpool legend John Barnes has urged Jurgen Klopp to launch a summer transfer raid on Brighton for Yves Bissouma.
The Seagulls midfielder finds himself at the centre of plenty of gossip heading towards another recruitment window, with Arsenal another Premier League suitor said to be mulling over a move.
Those at Anfield have been advised to position themselves at the front of any queue, with the Reds seeing serious questions asked of how long Georginio Wijnaldum, Xherdan Shaqiri and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will be hanging around.
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What has been said?
Quizzed on whether Liverpool should be looking to add in their engine room, Barnes – speaking in association with BonusCodeBets – told Goal: “Liverpool should sign Yves Bissouma from Brighton.
“In terms of what Liverpool want, he is the type of player that will suit how Liverpool play.”
The bigger picture
Plenty of change is being mooted at Anfield as the 2020-21 campaign draws to a close.
Various targets are being identified, in a number of different departments, with it shaping up to be a busy summer for Klopp and Co.
While fresh faces are to be expected, one of those that forms part of long-term plans on Merseyside has started to sparkle of late.
Spain international Thiago Alcantara arrived from Bayern Munich with plenty of pedigree, but questions were initially asked of his value to the collective cause and role in the Reds’ side.
With Fabinho now slotting in alongside him, with the Brazilian freed from providing cover at centre-half, a talented 30-year-old is showing why Liverpool wanted him so badly.
Barnes believes there is more to come from the classy playmaker, saying of Thiago’s progress: “He will thrive when Liverpool get back to full fitness and will start to play more consistently.
“You could argue that he has been one of the best players in the last few games, but that doesn’t mean that the team is playing well, just that he is.
“Liverpool have been used to playing in a particular way, and while he has been very good, the nature of the type of player he is, has affected the way others play. Liverpool’s style has not been used to this type of player in midfield.
“Once that situation is resolved, and the centre-backs are fit again, Liverpool are more solid defensively. Thiago will have more of an impact, as much as he has been playing well.”
The Reds are set to wrap up their season on Sunday, with a home date against Crystal Palace presenting Klopp’s men with a chance to secure a top-four finish and Champions League qualification.
Further reading
- Carragher bills Liverpool as ‘perfect destination’ for Kane
- Oxlade-Chamberlain opens up on his situation at Liverpool
- Liverpool-linked Vlahovic makes ‘tomorrow’ transfer admission
