Jurgen Klopp has suggested that Liverpool youngster Jarell Quansah is ready to supplement the first team this season.
Quansah was impressive during the Reds’ summer friendlies, featuring in every game prior to the new campaign.
And after news that Ibrahima Konate has picked up an injury today, Jurgen Klopp told his pre-Newcastle press conference that he’s counting on the ‘super talented’ 20-year-old.
“In an ideal world we have six, seven, eight centre-halves and we are covered for absolutely everything. We know we need to be lucky with injuries, we have no doubt about that,” said the Red manager.
“I have no doubt about the quality of the boys that we have. We have Jarell Quansah, a super talented player as well. So, in this moment we are covered. But it’s not dreamland where you can be prepared for every situation.
“We will try to do our absolute best to have a squad next week where we can react on pretty much everything. Is that possible? We will see.
As good as Quansah may be, that’s hopefully an admission that Liverpool are still active in the transfer market.
Quansah heading for Reds role
With Konate injured, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip would look the most likely candidates to step into the breach.
Beyond that pair though, Klopp does have a couple of other options.
Quansah is perhaps now next on the list, with hope that Nat Phillips could still get a move away from the club before next Friday.
Ideally though, Liverpool can’t be relying on either if they want to win silverware this season. Quansah was playing League One football last season while Phillips is a steady, but below-par player.
So, instead, it’s now pretty vital that the Reds do everything they can to get a player through the door over the next seven days.
As things stand, there are plenty of names being thrown about. Arthur Theate is one who came to light last week, while Piero Hincapie seems to be the flavour of these last few days. Both are left-footed and with high potential.
Quansah may well become a serviceable option for Liverpool in time. But for now, he shouldn’t be chucked in at the deep end.
Liverpool could now bid for ‘imposing’ £40m midfielder if Gravenberch bid fails
Liverpool are looking to sign another midfielder before the transfer window slams shut next week.
The Reds have already mvoed to sign Wataru Endo recently but Jurgen Klopp wants more, especially if the right deal is on the table.
At the moment, Ryan Gravenberch is the main name being tipped for a move to Anfield. Reports have claimed the Dutchman is open to the move, with Bayern open to selling if the price is right.
However, should a deal for Gravenberch fail, then the Reds have other ideas. And one of those ideas could be Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder, Manu Kone.
Kone has been tracked all summer by the Reds and according to 90Min, Liverpool are keeping a close eye on his situation in Germany.
The ‘imposing‘ Kone is seen as a midfielder who can come in and offer high energy and ability in the middle of the park for the Reds.
However, 90Min claims that a deal for Kone is more likely of ‘Gladbach drop their asking price. At the moment, they apparently want close to £40m for the midfielder.
Kone an option for Liverpool
Liverpool, in an ideal world anyway, make a move before the window slams shut next week. The Reds need to ensure their squad is strong enough to compete and it’s no surprise to see so many players being linked.
Kone is obviously another talented player who Liverpool like the look of. The one sticking point really – barring the fee – is if Liverpool are 100% sure on Kone as their next signing.
There seems to be a lot of interest in Gravenberch and if he is the main target, then it means getting Kone will feel like they’ve settled for second best in a way.