Liverpool were marginally close to conquering the ‘quadruple’ but eventually finished with a Cup double upon the completion of the 2021-22 campaign. Although they were expected to address the shortcomings during the summer window, the limitations of an ageing midfield along with an injury-ravaged attacking third have derailed their season.
But the Reds’ recruitment team gambled it all wrong when they roped in Arthur to resolve their midfield conundrum. It is no secret that the Merseysiders are after Jude Bellingham for quite some time, but they had no ‘Plan B’ in place when Borussia Dortmund decided to keep hold of their prized asset for at least one more year.
Liverpool need at least two new faces in the centre of the pitch and according to the Independent‘s Miguel Delaney, RB Leipzig star Amadou Haidara is one of the many names they have shortlisted ahead of a potential summer signing. The Bundesliga side have already rejected an offer from Brighton & Hove Albion for the 24-year-old Malian midfielder, and the Merseysiders, as well as Manchester United, could revive their interest having monitored his progress in the recent past.
Haidara began his career with JMG Academy Bamako back in his homeland before joining the Austrian heavyweights Red Bull Salzburg. A loan spell at Liefering helped him settle in the new surroundings and his emergence in Salzburg colours earned him a transfer to their sister outfit from Germany.
Despite making 133 appearances for the German giants, his minutes have been limited under new boss Marco Rose. He has been rotated with Kevin Kampl and Xaver Schlager, however, his playmaking ability, vision and technicality make him an integral part of the Leipzig squad.
Liverpool, on the other hand, have ample options in the centre of the pitch. But they have massively underperformed across competitions, apart from Thiago Alcantara. The likes of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho have been miserable in their respective midfield roles, whereas a long-term injury soon after the arrival has not helped Arthur in terms of re-establishing his lost reputation.
Young Harvey Elliott is struggling down the right-hand side of a three-man midfield, also it is unfair to demand consistency from the 18-year-old Stefan Bajcetic. Curtis Jones has not really justified the hype mostly due to fitness woes, also the growing frustration over Naby Keita makes absolute sense given the Guinean’s little involvement since completing a staggering £52.75m transfer from Leipzig back in 2018. Persistent injury problems refrained him from cementing a regular status and the Reds, therefore, must pray for Haidara’s availability week in, and week out, unlike his predecessor at Red Bull Arena.
