Liverpool linked with a £20m transfer for versatile Bundesliga midfielder: A smart move

Liverpool haven’t been active in January transfer window in terms of signing players, but that could change soon if reports are to be believed.

The Reds have secured Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s futures at the club, but TalkSPORT have revealed that the Merseyside outfit might make a move for Schalke midfielder Weston McKennie.

The American international has been scouted by Liverpool and can play in a number of roles in midfield which has attracted the Reds’ attention.

A £20 million move has been mooted, but it remains to be seen if Jurgen Klopp, who has been sceptical about potential arrivals, indeed wants the player in the coming week or so.

Why McKennie to Liverpool would be a smart move

Schalke had an awful first of the season in the Bundesliga, but have started the second half on a positive as they beat Wolfsburg at home.

In a bad first half of the season, McKennie stood out as he often tried driving an uninspiring team.

The American is predominantly a central midfielder, but because of Schalke’s terrible luck with injuries this season, McKennie has been deployed in a number of roles including at attacking midfield, right-back and surprisingly as a striker.

That’s right. McKennie started as a centre-forward in arguably the biggest derby in Germany when Domenico Tedesco was short of options and used the American up top against Borussia Dortmund.

McKennie is a fleet-footed midfielder who likes driving forward and isn’t afraid to put a foot in when needed.

The 20-year old has a good burst of pace, which is why he can be used as a box to box midfielder and use his abilities on the transition. Because of his pace, he tends to get back in time during the offence to defence transitions as well.

It’s not going to be easy getting into that Liverpool team, but considering Klopp has had to deal with injuries and that there might be more unavoidable injures to come in the coming months, someone like McKennie, who can do a good job anywhere in the team, would be a smart addition for just £20million.

Still only 20, his best years are yet to come and he might develop into a top player under the tutelage of Klopp, so it would be a good move for the rumoured fee.