Liverpool signed one of the world’s best midfielders in the summer 2020 transfer market, acquiring Thiago Alcantara on a free transfer after he wanted a new challenge following an incredible tenure with Bayern Munich. He even ended his time in Germany on a high note, securing the treble with Die Roten.
Hopefully, Thiago will be more settled next season. But midfield could still be a need for Liverpool in the 2021 summer transfer window, particularly if Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Georginio Wijnaldum depart the club.
Houssem Aouar is an intriguing name who has entered the consciousness of Liverpool supporters. The Lyon standout was one of the big stars of the 2019-2020 Champions League and Ligue 1 campaigns, but he did not earn a move despite heavy links to Juventus and Arsenal. The truth is, neither club could afford him.
The Reds aren’t exactly going to be big spenders in this year’s market. But they will be relatively active, given their needs and the shocking disappointment of the current campaign. Aouar is an affordable, high-upside midfielder who could fit their budget.
Liverpool could potentially purchase Houssem Aouar for just 30 million euros
Because according to L’Equipe, Houssem Aouar could leave Lyon for only about 30 million euros this summer. Since Lyon could not work out a deal for the player last summer and they really do need funds now, they could ask for a low price to facilitate a move.
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The Reds will have competition. Juve and especially Arsenal are still in the equation, and, surely, they won’t be the only ones. Even Real Madrid have been linked to the 22-year-old French international due to Zinedine Zidane’s influence.
Aouar is worth pursuing. Realistically, Liverpool can only make a couple of signings, maximum. If they go after Jadon Sancho, they could only make one. And how much they buy depends on who goes and how much they sell for.
So even Aouar for 30 million euros is not necessarily an easy deal to pull off, particularly if the Reds still want Ibrahima Konate and/or Ozan Kabak permanently.
However, Aouar could be a huge help. Liverpool have a midfielder who can control the game at an elite level in Thiago. They have someone who can defend at an elite level in Fabinho. But they need a creative spark who can carry the ball to support the attack, especially if Wijnaldum, as expected, leaves this summer.
Aouar can be that guy. He dazzled with his dribbling skills in last year’s Champions League, averaging a whopping 4.4 dribbles completed per game, according to WhoScored.com. This season, his dribbling numbers in Ligue 1 are down, but his key passes are slightly up, and he’s scored six goals to boot.
A player with a world of potential, Aouar already has enough quality to play significant minutes for Liverpool. Fans of the club should become familiar with his name and quality, because the transfer rumors linking him to the Reds will only heat up as we head into June.