Liverpool are interested in signing Bournemouth winger Arnaut Danjuma. The Dutch attacker has been with the Championship side since 2019, having joined the club from Club Brugge for around £13.7 million.
Marca have reported that Liverpool are one of the clubs interested in Danjuma, who will cost around £21.5 million. Several Premier League clubs are reportedly interested in signing him, while Villarreal are also keen on acquiring his services.
Danjuma scored 17 goals and assisted 7 times in 35 Championship appearances for Bournemouth last season. His current contract with the Cherries expires in 2024, with the player having signed a five-year deal in 2019. Danjuma won the Bournemouth Player of the Year last season after his exceptional performances in the Championship.
Arnaut Danjuma: Decent backup option for Klopp?
Arnaut Danjuma is a quick and skillful winger who likes to beat defenders with his dribbling and speed. He likes to put in crosses while also drift into the central areas to take shots on goal. In the 2020-21 season, he averaged 1.8 dribbles and 2.1 shots on goal per game. Danjuma predominantly plays off the left and likes to move inside and drive at defences, while he has been played on the right side of attack as well.
The 24-year-old is an exciting player who likes to take risks with his driving runs and does not shy away from taking attempts on goal from distance. Danjuma had an average first season with Bournemouth in the Premier League, as the Cherries were relegated from England’s top-flight. But, he was exceptional last season, helping his side to a sixth-place finish in the Championship.
It seems like he is ready to make the step up to the Premier League, but a move to Liverpool does not quite make sense. The Reds already have two left-sided wingers in Sadio Mane and Diogo Jota, both of whom are on a different level to Arnaut Danjuma. Jota had a solid first season at Anfield and he will be pushing to usurp Mane from the left-sided position.
Danjuma will also not fit in on the right as Mohamed Salah has stamped his authority in that role and will be a permanent fixture for Liverpool in the upcoming season. A move for the Dutchman will also be a risk as he hasn’t had much success in the Premier League. Danjuma could thrive at a mid-table club with lower expectations in the Premier League and perhaps then work his way up to a top club like Liverpool.
The Reds could instead give more opportunities to youngster Harvey Elliot, who could feature in Cup games and gain experience in top-flight football.
