A few days back, reports from the Sun did the round that Liverpool were lining up a bid of £20m for the signature of Weston McKennie. The midfielder currently plies his trade with German outfit Schalke, and it was reported that the midfielder’s ability to play in defence along with midfield piqued Jurgen Klopp’s interest. The reports added that the Reds could look to do business either in this window or in the summer.
However, if the latest report from Evening Standard is to be believed, then the Merseyside club currently have no interest in landing the midfielder now or in the future. The same reports add that the German manager is presently happy with the midfield options he has at his disposal and Liverpool won’t do any business in January. As for summer, it is being reported that the Reds would target other options.
McKennie has put in some assuring performance for Domenico Tedesco’s side and has established himself as a regular starter in the middle of the park. The 20-year-old shot into the limelight while playing for Dallas Juniors and the German outfit snapped him in the summer of 2017.
At such a young age, he has already established himself as a member of the US Men’s National Soccer Team and his versatility to play in different positions are his major asset. However, Liverpool did their business for midfielders in the last summer as they signed the likes of Naby Keita and Fabinho and it was always unlikely that Klopp would go on to spend again for a midfielder in January.
However, in the summer, McKennie might make a case for himself as James Milner is being linked (Birmingham Mail) with a move to Leeds United as the veteran midfielder has entered into the final six months of his contract. So maybe the Premier League leaders might need a midfield workhorse like Milner as his replacement.
Alex Oxlade Chamberlain has missed the ongoing campaign so far but he should be back by the back end of this season, and he should definitely play a significant role next season when fit. Therefore the Reds do have enough depth in midfield for the time being. However, if there are departures of Adam Lallana or Milner, then maybe Klopp could look to do business for a midfielder in the summer.
McKennie has immense potential, and the American international has the ability to become a world-class prospect. However, he is not someone who is calling out to be picked, nor Liverpool are in desperate need of midfielders. Therefore, we don’t really see this being a bad decision from the Reds. But, if the player becomes a world beater in a few years time, then maybe Klopp might lament this call.
