Liverpool are eyeing a summer swoop for PSV Eindhoven forward Donyell Malen in a bid to bolster their squad for the next season.
The Reds were expected to mount a serious title defence this past season but they failed miserably at that task. They were heavily impacted by injuries to their defensive stalwarts which forced Jurgen Klopp to deploy a centre-back partnership of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho at one stage in the season. Even the midfield duo found their way to the injury table which prompted Klopp to venture into the winter transfer window to bring in some cover. But all blame cannot be bestowed upon the injuries. Klopp’s side didn’t create as many chances as they usually do which decreased the threat possessed by their attack.
But Liverpool will look to bounce back and are working to strengthen their squad in this window to challenge Manchester City once again. According to Sky Sports Germany (via The Express), the Premier League giants have started negotiations to bring Donyell Malen to Anfield this summer. Malen had another superb season in the Dutch league, scoring 19 goals and registering eight assists in 32 games. He played a crucial role in helping the Netherlands to top group C in the ongoing Euro 2020. He failed to find the back of the net but registered two assists before his team crashed out against the Czech Republic.
Donyell Malen: Decent Option For Jurgen Klopp?
Mohammed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane will remain as the first-choice trident for the German manager. However, the rise of Diogo Jota means that the competition for places up front is already very intense. Adding a talented player like Malen in this forward lineup will provide more quality.
A creative player is also the need of the hour now as Firmino’s lack of consistent output in front of goal and the lack of options on the bench means the Reds fail to ignite a spark in the latter stages of games especially when they need to score goals.
The 22-year old prefers to play up front but can switch to either flank if the need arises. Malen has scored double-digit goals for PSV in the last three league campaigns. This shows that he has been consistent with his attacking displays. He does not offer a high work rate when it comes to defending but has a great eye to create goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates. On top of that, he possesses great dribbling skills and is a fine finisher as well.
Dortmund sees PSV- player Donyell Malen as a replacement for Jadon Sancho.
Now Sky Germany reporting that Liverpool have open talks with the player too.
Seem the mates, Dortmund-CEO, Warze, and Klopp will have an interesting barbecue this summer— Jan Aage Fjortoft 🏳️🌈 🇳🇴 (@JanAageFjortoft) June 24, 2021
The reports mention that Liverpool will have to pay just around £34 million to acquire his services which should not be a deterrent for the club. His inspiring displays for club and country have attracted not only Liverpool but also Borussia Dortmund. The Bundesliga club are eyeing a replacement for Jadon Sancho who is hours away from becoming a Manchester United player.
Donyell Malen will be a sound replacement for them but their interest will certainly complicate the process for Liverpool. The player will surely play more for the German club but the opportunity to seal a move to an elite club in Liverpool might be too good to turn down for the young attacker.
