Whelan shares verdict on Liverpool pulling midfielder signing U-turn after crushing Thiago Alcantara blow
Noel Whelan has insisted Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp will not be tempted to sign a new midfielder despite Thiago Alcantara potentially missing “four to six weeks” of action.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the Merseysiders will be holding out for Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham.
Thiago was forced off the field in the second half of the 2-2 draw against Fulham on Saturday (6 August).
The Spain international was clutching his hamstring as he was replaced by Harvey Elliott.
However, as quoted by club media post-match, Klopp held firm on his long-standing belief that Liverpool are not in need of any new midfielders.
He insisted a transfer must make sense “in the long term” and insisted his side have “enough midfielders” despite a number of injuries.
When asked if Liverpool’s depth is inferior to that of title rivals Man City, Whelan told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “Probably.
“But you can only go out and get who you want at a certain time. We know they want Bellingham, but he’s not available.
“You’ve got loads of experience to call on, Henderson, Milner, Fabinho – they can all fill this void.
“It’s not ideal to lose Thiago because for me, he is one of their best players. His running, his eye for a pass, the tenacity he brings – it’s a big loss.
“If it is a hamstring, you could be talking 4-6 weeks minimum.
“This is what can happen in competitive games. The intensity is so much different to pre-season, and it’s likely to affect players like Thiago – who is the wrong side of 30.
“It’s not ideal, but when everyone is fit they’ve got options and strength in depth.”
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