Liverpool backed to sign midfield dynamo after U-turn amid ‘Kevin De Bruyne’ claim
Noel Whelan has insisted Liverpool are missing a midfielder who can “drive” at the heart of opposition defences.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested Jurgen Klopp needs to add someone with the impact of Man City star Kevin De Bruyne – who has made a brilliant start to the new campaign.
As quoted by Fabrizio Romano (26 August), Klopp revealed that Liverpool will look to sign a new midfielder in the dying embers of the summer transfer window – having previously ruled out a new arrival.
Football Insider revealed on Saturday (27 August) that the Merseysiders have a verbal “agreement” with Borussia Dortmund sensation Jude Bellingham – and he could even sign in January.
The German club have made it clear they will not sell the 19-year-old sensation this summer.
Whelan suggested Bellingham is the top target but Liverpool need to sign a more “youthful” option now amid criticism for James Milner and Jordan Henderson.
“They don’t want to sign a back-up player that they won’t end up using past this season,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“We know who they really want. Jude Bellingham is who they really want.
“He’s a key player they want to build around in the future, but that’s not going to happen this year – and they know that.
“But they do need some element of youth in there. They’ve got some coming through the Under-23 system, but it remains to be seen whether they’ll get a real opportunity.
“I just think there’s a bit of energy missing from that midfield area.
“Yes, you’ve got the passing play that Thiago or Henderson can bring – but they’re missing someone who can drive through with the ball and get into an attacking area.
“Just look at what De Bruyne brings to City. That is something they just don’t have at the moment.”
In other news, pundit claims Klopp is “in the market” for “top” player as a late-window signing expected.