The Naby Keita deal seems dead; who are the alternatives?
Liverpool FC’s pursuit of RB Leipzig’s midfield dynamo, Naby Keita, appears to be on life support. According to the Times, Leipzig’s sporting director, Ralf Rangnick, has become increasingly irritated with the public interest displayed by the Merseyside club and issued a definitive hands-off for the Guinea international.
Rangnick’s assertions have justifiably sewn panic among the ranks of Liverpool fans on social media. Just weeks ago, Liverpool’s ownership group, Fenway Sports Group, apologized to Southampton for their extremely public courtship of Virgil van Dijk. It would be worrying if the deal for Naby Keita went the same way as van Dijk, but there is little FSG and Liverpool can do if Leipzig, flush with Red Bull resources, refuse to sell to the Reds.
Naby Keita is firebrand. He is a very talented player, and one that would fit into Liverpool’s midfield exceptionally well. It would be a pity to miss out on him. However, we have seen in the past that Liverpool’s second choices can also be effective players—Coutinho was second choice to Wesley Sneijder, Sturridge to Clint Dempsey, and, more recently, Sadio Mane for Mario Gotze. It is clear that Jurgen Klopp has prioritized athletic, dribble-y playmakers to strengthen his midfield, so let’s take a look at some alternatives to Naby Keita.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Already linked to Liverpool by multiple outlets, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain represents an intriguing opportunity. Having rejected a contract from his current employer, Arsenal, Oxlade-Chamberlain could be available for something of a bargain in today’s market. Often deployed on the wing by Arsene Wenger, the south-coast native has never kept it secret that he prefers the influence that comes with a central midfield position. His enthusiasm, explosiveness, and eye for a pass (he racked up 7 assists in just 16 league starts this season) would go a fair way in replacing what could have been with Keita.
Renato Sanches
Renato Sanches enjoyed a spectacular debut season two years ago, winning the Primeira Liga and Euro 2016 with Benfica and Portugal respectively. His success earned him a summer move to Bundesliga champions, Bayern Munich, but he has since found life difficult in Bavaria. After a season in which he enjoyed only six league starts, Sanches appears to be keen on a move away, with Bayern seemingly ready to approve a loan for the young midfielder. Sanches could be a useful loanee for Liverpool, providing depth and talent in a thin midfield unit that will participate in four competitions.
Mateo Kovacic
Replacing Phil Coutinho at Inter Milan after he left for Liverpool in 2013, Mateo Kovacic set Serie A alight with his quick feet and slick build-up play. Often starting attacks from deep by driving aggressively through the midfield, the young Croatian playmaker earned his move to Real Madrid in 2015. Still only 23, Kovacic has found it difficult to break into the star-studded midfield at the Bernebeu, and would benefit from a move away, possibly to Liverpool. The Croatian’s skill set would certainly improve Liverpool’s midfield, although it remains to be seen whether he could provide the physicality necessary to play alongside Coutinho in the advanced midfield positions.
Marko Grujic
Already a Liverpool player, could Marko Grujic be the player to step into the limelight this season? Injuries prevented the massive Serb from making his mark on the Premier League last season, but it was clear from his limited appearances that the midfielder has vast potential. Signed from Red Star Belgrade in January 2016, Grujic was immediately loaned back to boyhood club for the remainder of the 2015/16 season, so that he might enjoy more first team football. A towering presence, Grujic is comfortable with the ball at his feet, and his superb reading of the game gets him into promising positions in and just outside the box. The answer to Liverpool’s midfield woes could very well be playing for them.