Liverpool’s recruitment in recent seasons has been right up there with the best in Europe. They have spent on potential stars, most of who have turned out to be impressive. And the latest name on their wish-list is former Arsenal star, Donyell Malen.
In their latest transfer blog, ESPN claim that Liverpool are keeping tabs on the PSV Eindhoven forward, who is now being scouted by the biggest clubs in Europe.
A story by Calciomercato revealed that the Dutch outfit have slapped a price tag of €30million on the youngster, and that Liverpool are interested in bringing him back to England.
But who is Malen and would he be a decent fit for Jürgen Klopp’s side?
Malen’s Rise After Humble Beginnings
Still a relative unknown to fans in Europe, Malen is a product of the Ajax academy but he joined Arsenal back in 2015 after Arsene Wenger regarded him as a potential superstar.
But Malen featured in just a couple of pre-season games before moving back to his home country in search of playing time.
And Wenger has now been proven right, as Malen old has taken the Eredivisie by storm this season.
Malen registered 10 goals and four assists in the league last season and is already close to beating that number in the first couple of months of the new campaign.
Leading the attack for PSV alongside Bruma and Cody Gakpo, Malen has seven goals in just six league starts, including the five he scored against Vitesse just a fortnight ago. He now has 11 goals in 13 appearances across all competitions and is easily one of the most exciting youngsters on show in Europe.
He made his international debut against Germany earlier this month when he came off the bench, and added a third in his side’s 4-2 victory in the qualifiers.
The 20-year-old is devastating in front of goal, is strong in the air and in hold up play and will be a decent addition for clubs in England.
He is gaining experience by the game and if he can keep up his form till the end of the season, Liverpool have a real fight on their hands to try and land this Dutch talent next summer.
Should Klopp Go All In For Malen?
The Reds have Divock Origi as a backup to Roberto Firmino in the first team. Rhian Brewster is yet to feature in the league for The Reds but is highly regarded by Klopp, who will certainly give him his chances.
But Malen will probably be ready for first-team action come the end of the season and has the quality to push Origi down the pecking order.
At just 20, the PSV striker has a lot of room to improve and playing under a manager like Klopp could be enough to attract the player to Merseyside.
His work off the ball and the willingness to drop deep when his team is under pressure make him a decent fit for Liverpool’s style of play.
So it makes sense for Liverpool to scout Malen for the rest of the season and make a move for him next summer, rather than trying to persuade star players with insane price tags, to play as a back-up striker for the club next season.