Liverpool and Arsenal had a rollercoaster transfer window last month as the two sides were involved in some high-profile deals. While the Merseyside outfit managed to break the transfer record for a defender and sold Philippe Coutinho for a fee, only second to Neymar’s transfer deal, Arsenal managed to sign Henrikh Mkhitaryan in a swap deal that saw Alexis Sanchez moving the other way and roped in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
After what’s transpired in the window, you get the feeling Arsenal have a better squad than Liverpool. Having said that, the Reds could be busy in the summer. Recent reports indicate the Liverpool will tussle with Arsenal for talented Hoffenheim attacker Kerem Demirbay.
The German has an asking price of £28m that both the Premier League sides are willing to match, so it just leaves the question of who he eventually joins come summer.
A central midfielder by trade, Demirbay played an important role in Hoffenheim’s finish in the top four last season. While he might not be the ideal replacement for Coutinho at Liverpool, he can add more quality to the Liverpool midfield. With Emre Can’s future in doubt, he could be a good replacement.
Demirbay – fact file
The midfielder initially represented the Turkish national team in the youth levels but switched allegiance to Germany and made his debut for Die Mannschaft in 2017.
He represented the Borussia Dortmund and Hamburg reserve teams before having an impressive loan spell at Fortuna Dusseldorf that earned him a move to Hoffenheim.
So far this season, Demirbay has mustered two goals and one assist, but the low numbers have been a result of the team not doing well collectively this season. Last season, he managed six goals and 10 assists, a good return for a box to box midfielder.
What will he add to Liverpool?
A box to box midfielder, Demirbay would be a good replacement for Can who is yet to sign a contract at the club. The former Bayern midfielder’s contract expires this summer, so Liverpool will be on the lookout for a midfielder.
Demirbay is pretty similar to Can in the sense that he can provide the drive from the midfield. He can put in a tackle but isn’t the most well-drilled when it comes to defending. With Naby Keita joining in the summer, Liverpool could have two top midfielders. However, they’ll still need a good holding midfielder – a player they haven’t had since Javier Mascherano departed for Barcelona — to ensure the midfield is balanced.