Liverpool are continuing to work on potential transfers throughout the uncertainty over their managerial situation.
The Reds are currently without a sporting director after Jorg Schmadtke left his post in January. Furthermore, although Jurgen Klopp is still in situ, he won’t be by the time the summer window rolls around.
According to Spanish outlet OK Diario though, that won’t matter in regards to Liverpool’s reported pursuit of Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal.
Yamal has been a revelation since emerging from the Barca youth academy as a 15-year-old last season. His unprecedented form for the La Liga giants is said to have alerted Liverpool, who are reported to be readying an £85m move to buy him.
The Reds are claimed to be so convinced by Yamal, that they’ll go ‘all out’ to get him. Klopp leaving reportedly won’t have any affect at all on Liverpool’s pursuit, with the the youngster’s data said to have led to unanimity among the club’s recruitment staff.
Manchester City are also said to be interested and are even claimed to be ‘in love’ with Yamal. But OK Diario put Liverpool in ‘pole position’ to prise him from Barca. Neither player nor club are reportedly keen on the idea of the Spain international leaving. But the Catalan’s precarious financial position is said to mean that a big offer could be accepted.
Liverpool readying Yamal move
What Yamal is doing at Barcelona really is quite unprecedented. Having made his debut at 15 years 9 months and 16 days old, he is the youngest player in the club’s storied history. He’s also – inevitably – the most youthful goal scorer, both at Barcelona, and in La Liga overall.
A strewth of other records and awards have followed Yamal, who also won last year’s coveted Golden Boy trophy.
Four senior caps for Spain have yielded two goals, as he looks set for a long and successful career in the game.
Of course, things don’t always pan out that way. Yamal only has to look at Ansu Fati, who came through in similar fashion at Barca, only to now be struggling to get in Brighton’s side.
But either way, Yamal is already a big name at Barcelona, who pride themselves on their fabled La Masia academy. For Liverpool to swoop in and take him of their hands would be quite sensational. And as a result, we just can’t see this happening.
The Nou Camp club’s serious issues in terms of finances mean that they’re always going to be susceptible to rumours like these. However, it doesn’t feel realistic that their highest potential youth teamer since Lionel Messi would depart.
For Liverpool, they’re reticent to pay such high fees for players anyway, let alone a 16-year-old.
The data may be pointing in his favour, but for a club that’s run in the manner that the Reds are, they surely wouldn’t pay £85m on a player who wouldn’t necessarily even fit a new manager’s philosophy.
So, for the time being, we’d file this one under ‘keep an eye on, but don’t expect much.’
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