Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant believes the signings of Manu Kone and Khephren Thuram would make Jurgen Klopp’s side Champions League contenders next season. Both midfielders were linked with a move to Anfield in the summer and have been backed to join in an upcoming window.
Klopp oversaw a major overhaul of his midfield before the start of this season. He allowed Jordan Henderson and Fabinho to leave after Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were released at the end of their contracts.
He swiftly brought in Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai before adding Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch later in the window. But Pennant believes more work is needed to ensure Liverpool are competing for major honours.
Borussia Monchengladbach ace Kone and Nice star Thuram, both 22, have earned reputations as two of Europe’s up-and-coming midfield stars. Pennant is a huge fan of both and believes they would make the necessary improvements to see the Reds win the Champions League for a seventh time.
Pennant told Lucky Block: “I’d like to see Liverpool sign a proper enforcer in January. For me, that player would be Manu Kone. I think he would be a great number six and encourage Mac Allister to move further forward.
“Kone would be the icing on the cake, and so would Khephren Thuram – I’ve always been a huge fan of his. He may not play as a 6, but you could make it work. If we can get them in January, then we’re looking at a boss midfield!
“Those two could win Liverpool the Champions League. Having Kone and Thuram in there would elevate Liverpool’s midfield to being up there with the very best. Add in the forward five, and the likes of Virgil [van Dijk], Trent [Alexander-Arnold], and Alisson in the back, and that’s an unbelievable side.”
