Liverpool have joined the race to sign Wolves winger Adama Traore. Reds manager Jurgen Klopp is reportedly a big fan of the Spanish international.
As per the Daily Star, Liverpool could try to sign him for a fee of around £30 million, a huge cut in fees from what Wolves were demanding last season. The pandemic as well as Traore’s constant shoulder injury have resulted in the reduction in his price tag. Klopp reportedly plans to use him as an impact substitute, but the 25-year-old wants a more prominent role.
Roma and Tottenham Hotspur could also make a move for Traore as per the report. Traore has two years remaining on his contract at Wolves. He joined the club from Middlesbrough for around £18 million.
Adama Traore: A good option for Klopp?
Adama Traore has wowed Premier League enthusiasts with his incredible pace on the ball, as well as his strength in brushing off defenders. The Spaniard primarily plays off the right and likes to cut into central areas, as well as hug the touchline and deliver crosses. His speed is his biggest strength as he is capable of carrying the ball for long distances, especially in counter-attacking situations.
In the 2020-21 Premier League season, he averaged a whopping 4.1 dribbles per game for Wolves. He also attracts a lot of fouls, averaging 2.3 fouls received per game last season. Opposition defenders would rather foul him than allow him to get into dangerous positions on the pitch.
Apart from his wide right role, Traore has also played as a wing-back, as well as a winger on the opposite side. He also played centrally last year as a replacement for the injured Raul Jimenez. Adama Traore could be a very good addition to the Liverpool squad, especially as someone who can come on in the second half and run at tired opposition defenders.
His pace and strength could be deadly in the final third. Traore could be a backup option to Mohamed Salah on the right side of attack, while he could also be useful on the opposite wing. Liverpool currently don’t have too many natural right-sided wingers apart from Salah, who prefers to cut inside onto his left-foot.
Xherdan Shaqiri is a similar player to Salah in terms of style and another option for Klopp, but he didn’t feature a lot last year, while he was also played centrally at times. Youngster Harvey Elliott is another option for Klopp, but he lacks the experience to be trusted with a spot in the first-team for big games in the Premier League.
The likes of Sadio Mane and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain can also play on the right, but it is not their natural position with the latter also linked with a move away from the club. Traore has Premier League experience and the X-Factor to be a good player for Liverpool and the club should make a move for him.
