11 Dec 2023 22:00:37
Hi Ed002. Hope you’re doing well.

With the January window soon to be approaching I was wondering whether Liverpool will be still looking to sign a CDM?

The glaring omission from Liverpools side is an out and out quality number 6.

Previously you’ve stated that Liverpool will likely look to other options compared to Palhinha. The interest in Trindade is also well documented, although looks difficult to complete.

What other options are Liverpool looking to in that role? There’s not a whole lot of CDM’s I know much about!

Thanks very much.

{Ed002's Note - Andre Trindade (DM) Recommended to Liverpool as Fabinho cover a couple of years ago. Arsenal have scouted the player and may well make a move prior to the January Window with Edu being praised as being more respectful than a representative of another club. Prior interest of Barcelona and Braga has gone.

Fulham are keen to take him if Bayern Munich return and they lose Palinha - but there is a catch for interested parties who have been told must be resolved. Fluminense only own 80% of his rights and that would need to be addressed. They will also seek perhaps €40M including add ons.

I would not rule out Napoli but they may be some way off meeting the transfer fee or indeed Manchester United who will need a Casemiro replacement. I am not aware of any agreement between Liverpool and Fluminense just yet but there is the possibility of completing the transfer for January although they will have competition. Fluminense have a replacement lined up.

Kalvin Phillips (DM) Do not rule out Manchester City letting Kalvin Phillips go in January. He has been offered around but Liverpool opted for another and will bolster their midfield with another preferred target if possible, but he remains on the list. Aston Villa or West Ham did not see any value at the asking price.

Newcastle may yet offer a wildcard option, perhaps an initial loan. Juventus offer an unlikely loan option but are concerned he won't settle away from England. Spurs may be tempted. I am not aware of Everton making any approach but if Onana were to be sold he may be a consideration.

Ezequiel Fernandez (DM) After losing out on Boca youngster Alan Varela, Benfica have turned to another Boca youngster, Ezequiel Fernandez, as a potential Florentino replacement - Fernandez is also interesting Milan and Liverpool who had him watched by an ex-PL player who is now a very high-end scout. Would be an option to Andre Trindade.

Joao Palhinha (DM/CM) Only moved 18 months ago and Fulham will not look to sell unless a huge offer is made and the player asks for a move. All interest except that of Bayern Munich, Arsenal and possibly Newcastle will have gone with the signing of a new contract although Manchester United and Liverpool have had a will respected ex PL and high-end independent scout watch the player on their behalf - although both have other targets. Fulham will still look to replacements as they fear the player could have his head turned by Bayern Munich or Arsenal, who see him as an option to Trindade, who Fulham are also keen on.

Arthur Vermeeren (CM/DM) Barcelona have offered the well liked Royal Antwerp youngster the opportunity to join their B side. Manchester United had a long history with Royal Antwerp but would face Work Permit issues in England and would have to pay over the odds, apply for an exception or wait until he gets a full cap. Arsenal, Liverpool and Juventus have sent scouts.

Manu Kouadio Kone (CM/DM) Prior interest of Milan has gone. Newcastle did approach Borussia Muenchegladbach but they will resist a sale although Newcastle remain keen and the club have identified a replacement for Kone. RBL were keen to add Kone to replace Laimer but that interest, like the interest of Bayern Munich has gone. Juventus and Liverpool may have a continuing interest but I expect both to look elsewhere.

Khephren Thuram (DM/CM) Nice felt they were messed around by clubs in the summer and then the player picked up an injury. Interest of Spurs, Liverpool and, in particular, Juventus remains but Liverpool will likely focus on a preferred DM option but will turn back to him if unsuccessful.

Interest of Newcastle will likely fall away. If interest further grows his price will rise and the club would sell given the emergence of Alexis Beka Beka and an impressive youngster in Reda Belahyane. Nice do not want to sell and again a move to OLd Trafford will not be welcomed by the Nice supporters.

Real Madrid have him on a list of potential additions given they are facing midfield departures in the summer - and I would not rule them, or indeed Manchester City, out. Player wants PSG but they have no interest at this time - but his representative is pushing PSG as well as Real Madrid and will encourage the player to wait out the year and see what happens.

Assan Ouedraogo (CM/DM) Much is expected of the kiddie and Schalke will try and fend off interest from Chelsea and Bayern Munich who want to take him at 18 in the summer and have both spoken with his club. Schalke has also said that they are aware that an "agent" representing the underage player has been approached by someone representing Liverpool and that they have written to the club asking for this to stop. That will discount Liverpool. Brighton and Milan have sent scouts.}

1.) 12 Dec 2023
12 Dec 2023 10:47:37
Is Andre our preferred target?

{Ed002's Note - Yes but there is strong competition.}

2.) 12 Dec 2023
12 Dec 2023 13:51:29
Ed002 do you see us signing anyone in January or do you think we will go with what we have till the summer.
When with Thiago and Matip both out of contract frees up wages with both on big wages or do you think we will try to improve now we do looks very short of a first class number 6 Endo for me is nowhere near good enough to start against the top sides in the premier league or Europe.

{Ed002's Note - I would not expect Liverpool to sign players just for the sake of it in January unless a specific targate, such as Andre Trindade, were available. And they need to be aware of quotas.}

3.) 12 Dec 2023
12 Dec 2023 15:47:57
I think if there were any way to engineer a move for Thiago and bring in Andre that would make the most sense.

4.) 12 Dec 2023
12 Dec 2023 20:24:49
I'm guessing with Matip out for the season they could unregister him to create a space.

5.) 12 Dec 2023
12 Dec 2023 20:25:36
Lol strong competition if he wants to go elsewhere he isn’t what we want then. There are 3 clubs in the Prem atm Liverpool Man City and Arsenal anyone interested in joining any of the others is not what we need.

6.) 14 Dec 2023
13 Dec 2023 11:59:28
If we want him and are willing to compete with others on price, then I am sure we will win the race. However, if we're looking to play games, his advisors may just push him elsewhere.