Liverpool rejected signing Kalvin Phillips this summer as they saw the Leeds United man as a ‘stop-gap’ solution.
That’s according to journalist David Lynch. Writing for The National, Lynch claims that Liverpool also passed up the opportunity to sign Yves Bissouma from Brighton & Hove Albion and Youri Tielemans from Leicester City.
Liverpool reportedly saw all three deals as being ‘easy to complete’ given the relatively low wages being asked for.
However, none of the three players were seen as the ‘game-changing’ midfield signing that Liverpool are reportedly looking for. As a result, The Reds didn’t pursue any of them.
Liverpool waiting for the right player
The three players mentioned are all arguably players that would improve Jurgen Klopp’s current midfield options.
However, it’s easy to see the logic behind the club’s reported position, too. None of the trio in question would be undisputed starters for Liverpool.
Bissouma and Tielemans fit the age profile, but both are shorn of top-level experience. Bissouma has earnt himself a handy-looking move to Tottenham for £25m or so, but Tielemans is still waiting for a club to pluck him from Leicester.
Phillips meanwhile is perhaps slightly older than the kind of player Liverpool would ideally want. He also looks as though he’s now going to Manchester City.
The England international is clearly an excellent player. But there’s no chance that Liverpool would spend the reported £60m fee on a slightly older player who isn’t a clear starter.
It’s a commendable position from Liverpool and one that has served them well before.
Let’s just hope that before too long the ‘right’ player does come along and satisfies all the recruitment criteria. With a slightly ageing midfield, Liverpool can’t wait forever.
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