Liverpool are in the market for a striker and new targets are starting to emerge.
The Reds have not exactly been very secretive regarding their desires this summer and almost everyone knows that they desperately want a striker through the door.
They have been linked with the likes of Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike all summer long and, although those links still persist, other strikers are emerging as targets.
One of these is Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta, with reports suggesting that Liverpool have held a meeting with his representatives to discuss a potential Anfield move.
This has come as a surprise to many as he has not been a serious candidate before, although Reds fans do not seem to mind it too much, as long as one condition is met.
Liverpool fans only want Jean-Philippe Mateta as a back-up option
The Reds are under a little bit of pressure to get this one right as the last time they bought a striker, it did not exactly work out, with Darwin Nunez never hitting the heights.
However, most fans will be able to trust Richard Hughes given what he has pulled off this summer, although they still do not see Mateta as anything more than a back-up option.
One fan wrote: “Surely as a backup? We went from Isak and Ekitike to Mateta?” Another fan put: “Bringing him in as a backup would be a smart move. He might not be the flashiest player, but one thing’s certain — the Frenchman knows how to score goals.”
A third fan put: “I agree, clinical finisher great hold-up play, exactly what we need. But what I will say is as long as he comes with another striker then I would be all for it.”
Another fan was more cautious, saying: “Mateta isn’t the answer btw…. OK as a sub but main 9? No thanks.”
While another put: ” Mateta as a back-up striker is definitely appealing. He’s something different to our usual attackers and brings serious in the box value to the team.”
A sixth fan was very optimistic and put: “I honestly don’t mind this at all, Mateta is a solid stop-gap option. Premier League proven, a real threat in front of goal. Him and Ekitike would give us great options.”
Another supporter simply wrote: “Mateta as a backup striker would be perfect.”
Another finished by saying: “Not sure about being the starting ST but I’d definitely take Mateta as a back-up, very underrated.”
Jean-Philippe Mateta to Liverpool is unlikely
Take nothing away from the Frenchman, he is a quality player and would be a great asset for almost any team in the league, but Liverpool just seem a leap too far.
The Reds are looking for a big name striker who will come in and revolutionise the forward line, hence the reason they desperately want Isak.
However, if the Swede is unattainable this summer, it is likely the Reds will push hard to get him next year instead, meaning making a move for Mateta feels a little redundant.
He would be excellent to ‘fill in’ and be a bit of a stop-gap, but in all honesty, not only will he probably not want to do this, but he is far too good to just be an option off the bench.
The fact he is already 28 also does not help his case and Liverpool would be unlikely to make a move for a player of that age, again due to them seeing this team as a long-term project.
Overall, Mateta would be a fantastic addition and be great competition for whoever leads the line for the Reds, but a move feels very unlikely.
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