Last year, the Reds signed two midfielders in the form of Brazilian international Fabinho and Guinean star Naby Keita.
If reports in the media are anything to go by then Jurgen Klopp wants Liverpool to secure the signing of another midfielder this summer.
News – Liverpool made contact about a deal to sign £220,000-a-week star – Face competition
According to Marca, Klopp has directly endorsed the operation to hire the services of Spanish international and Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos.
The Spanish news source have claimed that the German manager believes Ceballos will provide the dynamism in the center of the park that Naby Keita has not found as yet at Anfield.
Stats, playing position and price tag:
The 22-year-old starlet is naturally a central midfielder but over the years, he has played in multiple midfield and attacking roles (Transfermarkt).
In 2016-17, he featured in 30 league games for Real Betis, scored two goals and provided two assists. In July 2017, the Los Blancos opted to splash the cash to hire his services.
Unfortunately, since moving to the Bernabeu, Ceballos has mainly been a bench warmer. In the 2017-18 campaign, he only started in four league games under Zidane, who preferred the likes of Kroos, Modric and Casemiro in his midfield.
Last season, he started only 13 times in the league. After Zidane’s return (March 2019), the Spanish midfielder once again found himself on the bench or out of the squad more often than not.
As far as his international career is concerned, so far, Ceballos has made six appearances for the senior team. He was a key member of the Spanish U-21 squad that recently won the European Championships. He mainly played as an attacking midfielder in the competition and in the group stages, he directly contributed in 4 goals in 3 games (Transfermarkt).
Ceballos’ current contract with the La Liga giants will expire in 2023 and has a huge release clause of 500 million euros. As per reports, Madrid want at least 50 million euros (£45million) from his sale (AS).
Competition (Marca):
As per Marca, Tottenham and Arsenal are interested in securing the midfielder’s signature as well.
It is mentioned that Spurs are the best option for him at the moment. The relations between Real Madrid and the north Londoners are good and the PL club could offer him regular game time.
As far as Arsenal are concerned, it is stated that Emery’s style of play would suit Ceballos and the Gunners are making the most moves to lure him.
Last but not the least, the Spanish source have claimed that Liverpool’s interest in signing Ceballos is growing and moving to the European champions might be the most attractive option for the player.
Liverpool’s midfield:
As mentioned above, last year, Fabinho and Keita arrived to strengthened the midfield department. In 2017, the Reds opted to lure Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and they already have players like Wijnaldum, Milner, Lallana and skipper Henderson as well.
Not to forget, recently, Serbian midfielder Marko Grujic was once again loaned out to German club Hertha Berlin.
Therefore, at the moment, Liverpool have enough quality and depth in the center midfield. However, the Reds do not have a quality, natural central attacking midfielder in the squad.
Last year, our top scoring midfielder was James Milner, who found the net 7 times in all competitions (5 times from the penalty spot).
