Liverpool have been looking into the possibility of signing Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante on a free transfer.
That’s according to journalist Pete O’Rourke. Speaking to Give Me Sport, O’Rourke claimed that the Reds have been hoping to persuade the French midfielder to swap Stamford Bridge for Anfield this summer.
“It’s a deal they’ve looked at, hoping that they can maybe persuade Kante to leave Chelsea on a free transfer. We all know about Liverpool’s need for midfield reinforcements,” said the journalist.
“It looks like it’s going to be a big rebuild job in that engine room for Jurgen Klopp’s side and Kante, with his experience and know-how, is a winner. Wherever he’s been, he’s had great success. To get someone like that on a free transfer would be an astute piece of business.”
Given his injury history and advancing years, this wouldn’t look like the wisest of moves from Liverpool. But Kante is perhaps one of the best defensive midfielders in Premier League history. If he could put his injury woes behind him, he still has something to give.
Kante the polar opposite of Liverpool’s needs
This isn’t the first time Liverpool have been tipped to make a move for Kante. With his contract ending in the summer and the Reds needing midfielders, it’s an easy link to make.
But given everything we know about Liverpool’s recruitment, signing the soon-to-be 32-year-old seems incredibly unlikely.
Aside from the fact that he’s played just two Premier League games this season, Kante is reportedly on huge wages at Chelsea. There’s simply no chance that Liverpool match that for an aging player in obvious decline.
There is an argument for having him at the club as a means to take the pressure of Fabinho. As a short-term measure, there could be merit to bringing him in.
In his heyday, Kante has had all manner of plaudits come his way. And deservedly so. Chelsea teammate and reported Liverpool target Mason Mount said having the World Cup winner on the team was like ‘having an extra player.‘ Meanwhile, his capacity for relentless running has been labelled ‘extraordinary’ by Emmanuel Petit.
With the best will in the world though, those days look to be behind Kante. Liverpool need to freshen up their midfield with young players who can grow at the club. As good as the Chelsea man has been over the years, this would look to be the polar opposite of that.