French club Lyon have a group of attacking players that have been linked with some top clubs in Europe. The likes of Nabil Fekir, Memphis Depay, Bertrand Traoré, and Ivorian Maxwel Cornet, have lit up Ligue 1 with their football. Liverpool are one of the many clubs who are reportedly keen on signing Cornet, with the attacker himself stating that links with a big club like Liverpool are “flattering”.
“I did not say I wanted to leave. We met the president in January, and I said I wanted to extend [my contract], but talks were not successful. Liverpool are a big club, any links are flattering. I’m under contract until 2021, but you never know in football so we’ll see,” said Cornet recently in an interview with beIN Sports.
Cornet has been in fine form this year for the French club where he scored 12 goals and assisted 5 times in all competitions. The Ivory Coast international joined Lyon in 2015, establishing himself as an important figure in the French side over the last few seasons. Cornet has scored 41 goals in 174 appearances for Lyon, helping his side to a third-place finish in the recently concluded season. The Ivorian’s contract with the Ligue 1 side expires in 2021.
The 22-year-old played for France in the youth levels but ultimately chose to play for the country of his birth, Ivory Coast, and has made 9 appearances for them since debuting in 2017.
Should the Reds move in for Cornet?
Jurgen Klopp’s side need some quality reinforcements if they want to challenge on all fronts once again next season. Cornet could be an exciting addition to Klopp’s team, with his direct running, pace and hard working attitude meshing well with the German manager’s style of play.
A quick player with a great understanding of the game, Cornet can play on the right side, cutting inside to attack in the central areas, or also play behind the striker or on the left. The skilful dribbler is a player who likes to keep moving, with or without the ball. He would fit in perfectly in Klopp’s 4-3-3 formation, while his work ethic will also be loved by the Liverpool faithful and their German manager.
Cornet could be a good buy, who can be moulded to deputise for star winger Mohamed Salah on the right side of the Liverpool attack and his versatility means he will offer something none of the present Liverpool backup attackers provide, the ability to effectively play across the attacking line.