Liverpool are reportedly planning to sign West Ham star Nayef Aguerd in the January transfer window – and believe they can beat Manchester City to his signature by getting rid of a long-time famous star.
The Red Devils spent the summer rebuilding their midfield after parting ways with six stars since the end of last season.
And while the releases of James Milner, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and the underperforming Arthur Melo were long planned, the sales of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson came as a much more unexpected surprise.
That left Liverpool in a desperate search for reinforcements, with Jurgen Klopp eventually making four signings – the latest of which, Ryan Gravenberch, only arrived on the final day – to bolster the engine room their.
The Netherlands international hopes to make his Liverpool debut against Wolves this Saturday, as Klopp must now find the best way to fit the Dutchman alongside compatriots Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister and Waturu Endo.
It’s certainly a good problem to have and Liverpool finally have plenty of new faces to choose from in midfield against struggling Wolves.
However, it’s easy to forget that Klopp actually went into the summer transfer window with the aim of strengthening his defence.
Indeed, the Red Devils coach also has a new centre-back and a new right-back on his shopping list.
And only with Fabinho and Henderson gone did Klopp’s attention turn to his midfield.
However, The Sun claim Klopp will review his plans to strengthen his defense in January.
And they claim he is aiming to recruit highly-rated West Ham midfielder Aguerd when the transfer window reopens.
again after only 112 days.
The Morocco international only arrived at the London Stadium in the summer of 2022 and after establishing himself, he has established himself as one of David Moyes’ first choice players
Indeed, the 27-year-old has made 33 appearances for the Hammers in all competitions, scoring three times, but is finally starting to justify the £30m West Ham paid Rennes for his return.
his service.
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Now, however, with Manchester City also said to have added Aguerd to their list of targets, it is Liverpool who are now considering an approach.
However, the Hammers will not part ways easily with Aguerd and are expected to double down on a player who is currently near his peak.
Having said that, the newspaper affirmed that Klopp would then put all his energy into rebuilding his defense.
Seven-year veteran Joel Matip is now 32 years old and has reportedly let his standards drop recently.
Fellow defender Virgil van Dijk is also the same age and there are also signs that he is no longer the fearsome force he once was.
However, with Matip’s contract expiring next summer and the former Cameroon international no longer first choice, he will be Aguerd’s replacement.
To achieve this goal, Liverpool is said to be willing to listen to offers for the former Schalke player, who could return to his playing days in the Bundesliga.
Any deal for Aguerd, who is linked with a move to Saudi Arabia this summer, would result in a change in Van Dijk’s position.
Usually selected as a left centre-back, signing the Moroccan left-hander would allow Van Dijk to potentially return to the right side of central defence.