Liverpool are leading the race to secure the services of OGC Nice midfielder Jean Michaël Seri next summer. According to recent reports, the Reds are closing in on the Ligue 1 star after his move to Barcelona collapsed last summer. It is understood that Manchester United are also interested in him but some sources are also claiming that the Red Devils believe Seri is expensive and could be priced out of a move which leaves the door open for their rivals Liverpool to go all in for the player.
Barcelona agreed to personal terms with the Ivorian last summer but a move never materialised after the Catalans refused to meet Nice’s valuation. The 26-year-old has featured in 32 matches for the French club this season, scoring a goal and providing 6 assists in all competitions.
With Emre Can set to depart Anfield when his contract runs out at the end of the season, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is looking to bring in a worthy replacement. It is being reported that Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are also in the running to secure Seri’s signature next summer. At 26, he still has his peak years ahead of him which Liverpool could look to utilise in the coming years.
The Reds are currently in 2nd place in the Premier League table after securing a tough 2-0 victory at home versus Newcastle United on Saturday. The Anfield-based outfit find themselves just above their bitter rivals Manchester United, who are in third place with a point separating the two teams at the moment.
However, the five-time European champions are still 18 points behind league leaders and the Premier League champions-elect Manchester City going into the final few games of the campaign. The addition of Seri will strengthen the Reds midfield as they look to bridge the gap between themselves and the Manchester clubs going into the future. Liverpool has the likes of Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Georginio Wijnaldum and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain vying for a place in Jurgen Klopp’s starting eleven so the potential arrival of Seri will definitely add competition for places at Anfield.
Seri has 16 international caps playing for the Ivory Coast national team and has one international goal to his name. However, he is still inexperienced in English football which could mean that he requires some time to adapt to the physicality and high intensity of the Premier League. It remains to be seen what lies ahead in the future of the OGC Nice midfielder and whether Liverpool can fend off stiff competition in pursuit of his signature next summer.
