Liverpool scouting for talents from relegated clubs has given them some match-winners in recent seasons, and the latest name Jurgen Klopp is interested in is Norwich City full-back, Jamal Lewis.
According to BBC, Liverpool’s bid of £10million for the Canaries’ left-back has been rejected. Norwich City set a price tag of £20million on Lewis (h/t Metro), and it remains to be seen if Liverpool will make a fresh bid close to that region.
Considering Liverpool need a backup for Andy Robertson, this could become a bit of a saga unless the Reds drop their interest in Lewis altogether.
But is Lewis the right man for Liverpool?
Jamal Lewis and his game
A forward-thinking full-back with good technique, Lewis was one of the most consistent players for the Canaries in the first half of the season. He made 25 starts for Daniel Farke’s side, but managed to register just one assist in a struggling side.
With 12 international caps for Northern Ireland and 92 appearances for Norwich City already, Lewis is now an established player in England and could be a decent signing, as a backup, for most teams in the Premier League.
(Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
The Norwich City star is also an excellent passer, can carry the ball on the line and would be an asset in the final third. However, in defence, he has often been found out in the air and he also needs to work out on his positioning to make sure he is more secure at the back.
But at 22, he has time on his side to improve, and for his price tag, he would be a long-term investment.
Why Liverpool should up their bid for Lewis
Liverpool currently have one of the best, if not the best full-backs in Europe at the moment. Andrew Robertson has been exceptional in Red for a couple of seasons now, but Liverpool do not have a natural left-back option to replace the Scott in the first team.
Lewis will not walk into the first team and could take more than half a season to get used to Klopp’s training regime.
But he certainly has the attributes that can make him a quality player and in a year or two, Lewis could not only compete with Robertson for a place in the first team but he could also replace the former Hull City man in Klopp’s backline.
Liverpool have used Neco Williams and James Milner at left-back when needed but Lewis would be a better option than both the names and could solve this issue at Liverpool for years to come.
The Reds still have the fees to agree upon but in the current market, finding a backup left-back will not be easy, so a move for Lewis would be a pretty shrewd one.
