Liverpool’s need for a new central midfielder has intensified after Alexis Mac Allister suffered a knee injury on Wednesday.
The Argentina international picked up the complaint during Liverpool’s 4-3 defeat to Bayern Munich in Singapore. It’s hoped the injury isn’t serious, with Jurgen Klopp telling reporters: “He could have played on… There’s no need to push him through.”
Regardless of Mac Allister’s fitness, the incident is a reminder to Klopp to sign a central midfielder. He’s lost five players who can occupy the role this summer in Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Although Liverpool have brought in Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, another central midfielder – preferably a defensive-minded one – is a priority for Klopp. With that in mind, here are the latest transfer rumours from Merseyside.
Kessie move considered
Liverpool are interested in signing Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie, according to Spanish outlet SPORT. The LaLiga champions are expected to let Kessie, 26, leave the Camp Nou this summer after.
The Ivory Coast international has struggled for minutes during pre-season to put long-term admirers Tottenham and Juventus on red alert. Yet rumours in Spain suggest Liverpool are also considering a bid for Kessie, who is valued at €25million (£21.5m).
Xavi refused to give any clues as to where Kessie will be playing next season after he missed Barcelona’s pre-season friendly against AC Milan. “Kessie did not play due to a slight illness,”said Xavi. “Regarding his future, he knows exactly what the situation is.”
