Liverpool backed to sign £80million “real gem” in January
Liverpool have a lot of quality and depth in their midfield department with stars like Lallana, Keita, Wijnaldum, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Milner, Fabinho and captain Henderson around.
However, the Reds do lack a natural quality central attacking midfielder. They had one in the form of Philippe Coutinho but the Samba star was sold in the winter window of 2018 and since then, we have not replaced him.
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Former Leeds United and Coventry City player, Noel Whelan, has backed Liverpool to sign Leicester City’s James Maddison. In an exclusive interview with Football Insider, the retired forward claimed that the Foxes attacker has what it takes to replace Coutinho at Anfield.
Whelan stated:
“James Maddison is absolutely a Liverpool type of player, I can see him joining [Liverpool] He can be the new Coutinho”.
“He’s similar to him in many ways – great feet, can run with the ball, can see a pass that no-one else can and scores wonder goals. He’s still young but already he’s a real gem and his value is going to get higher and higher over the next few years.”
“All the big teams will be watching him, but they will know he won’t come cheap. Can Liverpool sign him in January? Of course. They got [Virgil] Van Dijk in a January window and haven’t looked back.”
“Liverpool will also have money to spend after not buying anyone senior this summer. Jurgen Klopp and the recruitment team have a brilliant record in the transfer market, and Maddison could fit in well.”
Stats, price tag and competition:
The England international had a fantastic debut PL campaign with Leicester City last term. He featured in 36 league games and directly contributed in no fewer than 14 goals (7 goals and 7 assists).
Maddison showed that he is one of the best free-kick takers in the country. Last season, the former Coventry City attacking midfielder, scored three goals from direct free kicks.
This season, so far, he has played 7 games in all competitions, scored two goals and also provided two assists. In the last PL contest vs Tottenham Hotspur, he scored a stunning long range goal in the 85th minute to earn all three points for the Foxes.
The 22-year-old’s current contract with Leicester City will expire in 2023 and reports have suggested that even Manchester United are looking at a move to sign the £80million rated star (Mirror Sport).