Liverpool is prepared to move on to the next phase of its preseason schedule, but there is still much to be done on the transfer front at this time
The Reds finished their training camp in Germany with a 4-4 draw against Greuther Fürth in their second summertime friendly, and they will go back to Merseyside before Thursday’s flight to Singapore.
As they approach their respective departures to Saudi Arabia, Jordan Henderson and Fabinho were absent once more, and in their absence, it was evident where Liverpool still needs to reinforce in the transfer market.
Jürgen Klopp will undoubtedly need to expand his midfield options, but he also cannot afford to neglect his defense for too long after his team allowed four goals in a disorganized second half.
The Reds are once again being associated with possibilities in midfield, one of whom has been mentioned frequently during the summer while the other has emerged as a possibility recently as they get ready for the next stage of their preparations in Asia.
Here is Liverpool.com’s assessment of the rumors regarding the Reds’ pending transfers involving a handful of midfielders that surfaced today.
PSG’s Marco Verratti
According to the Spanish publication Marca, Liverpool has the resources to move through with a purchase for PSG midfielder Marco Verratti. (print edition, via Paisley Gates).
The outlet claims that Atlético Madrid is already in contact with the Italy international, but Liverpool could complicate matters as it also wants the 30-year-old. PSG values Verratti at $78m (£61m/€70m), with the French club open to selling despite the midfielder still having three years left on his contract.
Liverpool.com says: There is no doubt about Verratti’s ability as a player, but would Liverpool really want to spend $78m on a 30-year-old? It would be an odd stance, considering the club looks set to let go of a 29-year-old in Fabinho.
The Reds have been linked with younger and cheaper options already, so it depends on what their strategy is. If they want a short-term solution while Stefan Bajčetić continues his development, Verratti could be a good option, but that would be placing a lot of pressure on the 18-year-old’s shoulders.
