According to Express, Liverpool and Manchester United have been dealt a massive blow in their pursuit of Bruno Fernandes. It is believed that the Portuguese international will reject advances from both the Premier League giants in favour of a switch to Champions League finalists Tottenham Hotspur.
This will upset Liverpool, who were monitoring the Sporting CP midfielder this summer. Manager Jurgen Klopp will now have to assess his other options in the market as he aims to bulk up his creative midfield department. And in this article, we will take a look at three realistic options Liverpool could explore, after reportedly missing out on Fernandes.
Nabil Fekir
Liverpool could try to rekindle their interest in Lyon playmaker Nabil Fekir as their desired alternative to Fernandes. Emerging reports have claimed that the Frenchman, who was close to joining Anfield last summer, is destined to leave Lyon this time around.
A dynamic attacking midfielder, Fekir is equipped with the ideal set of traits that could help him thrive at Anfield next season. For starters, the 25-year-old is an excellent dribbler that makes him a valuable component in the final third, especially when probing the opposition.
His nifty footwork and technical prowess could make Liverpool much more dangerous in breaking the shackles of oppositions, who play with deep defensive blocks. And at the age of 25, he could be an ideal long-term investment for the Reds.
Giovani Lo Celso
Tottenham closing in on Fernandes likely means that the ongoing talks between Spurs and Real Betis have stalled. And should that happen, the door will open for Liverpool to make a move for the Argentine international.
Lo Celso has been a massive hit since joining Real Betis, who signed a permanent deal with the player in April. However, that hasn’t deterred big clubs around Europe, including Manchester City from trying to raid Betis in pursuit of this highly talented midfielder.
Indeed, Lo Celso is someone who can provide flair in midfield with his exquisite footwork and ability to drift past defenders. He is also proficient when it comes to evading the opposition press and is blessed with immense technical quality – making him a viable option for the Reds.
Naby Keita
Should Klopp fail to identify an ideal alternative to Fernandes this summer, the German mastermind will be forced to rely on the services of Naby Keita. And frankly, that isn’t a bad idea at all considering his immense potential. Keita joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig for a fee of €60 million last summer. But, the Guinean international has struggled with both form and injuries. However, he is still capable of making the difference with his effective passing and dribbling.
The 24-year-old is also an aggressive midfielder that tunes in well with Klopp’s Gegenpressing style of play at Liverpool. And the fact that he can act as the ball-carrier makes him a perfect player for Liverpool. However, he needs to be provided with an adequate number of chances to prove himself.
But, one thing is for sure – the ex-RB Leipzig star is more than capable of sparking new life to the Liverpool midfield if he can play to his potential next season.
