Having lost Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona in January, Liverpool are a bit short in the midfield already and though they are ready to welcome Naby Keita in the summer, the Reds are also in the market for another world-class midfielder in the summer transfer window. And their issues have only been complicated by the latest comments from German star Emre Can.
Arguably the best midfielder at Anfield at the moment, Can has been extensively linked with a move to Juventus recently but the likes of Manchester City have also joined the list of admirers now. And Can took to the media and claimed that he believes that he can play for a big club next season, which has angered the Liverpool fans.
They believe that his time at Anfield is up and are happy to let him leave as a free agent at the end of the season. But how can Liverpool replace him? Here are three midfielders Liverpool should target to replace the former Bayern Munich man.
Jorginho (SSC Napoli):
The Italian international has been in superb form in the Serie A this season and has extensively been linked with a move to Liverpool recently. The likes of Manchester United and Arsenal are also interested but reports suggest that Jurgen Klopp is confident of landing him this summer. At just 26, he can walk into the first team and is perfect for the style of play at Anfield and could be an upgrade on the German on the field for the Reds. Surely, Liverpool should do what it takes to sign him if they lose Can.
Wilfried Ndidi (Leicester City):
Another midfielder Liverpool have recently been linked with, Ndidi has established himself as one of the most consistent players in his role in the Premier League this season. He has been integral to Leicester City’s run this season and is not too far away from a national team call-up. Quick on his feet, he is a gifted footballer and will be able to solve the midfield problems that have been haunting Klopp this season. At just 21, he is still raw and under Klopp, he has the potential to turn into one of the best in Europe.
Mateo Kovacic (Real Madrid):
The most attacking-minded option on this list, Kovacic was regarded as the next best thing in the game when he moved to Real Madrid a few years ago. However, he has failed to establish himself in the first team, making just six league starts this season. At 23, he is in search of regular football and has been linked with an exit recently. Surely, he is a fine option to replace Can at Anfield.
