Liverpool reportedly ‘looked at’ Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse over the course of the transfer window.
The Reds remained relatively inactive throughout the summer following the arrival of Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig.
That’s despite the departure of Gini Wijnaldum and Xherdan Shaqiri from Jurgen Klopp’s first-team squad.
According to a report from Goal, as cited by LFC Transfer Room on Twitter, the Anfield club did consider a move for the 26-year-old Saints ace.
Twitter:
· James Ward-Prowse watch looked at by Liverpool this transfer window.
Source: @goal
Journalist: @neiljonesgoal (@LFCTransferRoom)
The report also claims that Liverpool also ‘explored’ the possibility of a move for Marcel Sabitzer before the Austrian joined Bayern Munich late in the window.
Capped on eight occasions by England, Ward-Prowse ultimately signed a new five-year deal at St Mary’s over the summer (Sky Sports).
Last season the energetic midfielder, described as the ‘full package’ by Ralph Hasenhuttl, scored eight and registered another eight assists in 38 Premier League outings.
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Signing Ward-Prowse would’ve been a major addition to the Reds’ squad in what was a disappointing window.
Valued at £27million (Transfermarkt), the Saints would’ve been rightly reticent to allow their prized asset to leave the club.
As a like for like replacement for Wijnaldum, Ward-Prowse’s durability emulates the Dutchman’s, having also appeared in every Premier League game last term.
A set-piece expert with an abundance of top quality attributes (WhoScored), Ward-Prowse can also provide cover at right-back, a role that might’ve been necessary had Neco Williams left as once planned.
Albeit clearly dead in the water, for now, Liverpool would be wise to revisit the possibility as soon as January and consider Williams or Takumi Minamino as a possible makeweight.
