Why Liverpool must hijack Barcelona’s attempt to sign Adrien Rabiot
According to ESPN, Liverpool have made contact with the agent of Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Adrien Rabiot. The current league leaders of the Premier League are keen to get the player, especially if they can get him for free.
Meanwhile, Sun reports that La Liga champions Barcelona are thinking on the same lines too. They are looking to get the Frenchman too, for free next summer. The Catalans have shown their interest since the transfer window opened this summer.
On the balance of things, here’s why Jurgen Klopp’s men should pursue this deal with greater zeal and hijack Barcelona’s attempts:
Liverpool are one midfielder short of being world-class
It is pretty obvious that Liverpool have a world-class front line, goalkeeper and a decent defence with Virgil van Dijk in the ranks. They made two very good recruitments this summer – midfielders Fabinho and Naby Keita. This has certainly raised the level of their midfield, which was at times considered one-dimensional last season.
But with Alex Oxlade Chamberlain injured long-term and Adam Lallana really out of sorts with his fitness, one would agree that Liverpool still need one more quality midfield player to become a complete world-class team.
Hence, getting someone like Rabiot, especially on a free transfer next summer, is a massive incentive. According to ESPN, Klopp has even admired the Frenchman since his days at Borussia Dortmund. Hence the German likes the player, and would be keen to bring him to Anfield.
Verdict
Another incentive for the Reds is to get one over the line against Barcelona in terms of transfer dealings. The Catalans have taken Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho away from Anfield in the past, so the Merseysiders should be really eager to beat the Spanish side by getting Rabiot next summer.
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The footballing reason is pretty simple though. The French midfielder is just a class act on the ball and can dictate the tempo of the game. He is still only 23, so there is room for a whole lot of improvement as well.
Klopp must do everything in his powers to try and lure the midfielder to Anfield, as signing a quality player like Rabiot could pay rich dividends.