very closely when the January transfer window opens.
According to Football Insider, Liverpool are planning a move for Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara as Andoni Iraola looks to address concerns in the middle of the pitch.
The 22-year-old was already on Liverpool’s radar during the summer, but the Reds didn’t complete a deal.
Now it appears they could go back for him in January.
Liverpool wanted a midfielder in the summer
This isn’t a completely new name coming out of nowhere.
Liverpool were looking at midfield options during the summer transfer window, but ultimately didn’t bring in the extra midfielder they had been considering.
Camara was one of the players discussed.
His situation became particularly interesting when Chelsea came close to signing him on deadline day in a deal reported to be worth around £47 million, only for the move to collapse.
Now Liverpool could potentially take advantage of the situation.
Is Camara what Liverpool need?
That’s the big question.
Liverpool have some very talented midfielders, but there have been concerns about the balance and control in the middle of the pitch during the early part of the season.
We’ve already seen different combinations being used by Iraola.
Mac Allister, Szoboszlai and Gravenberch all bring different qualities, while Trey Nyoni and James McConnell are also pushing for more opportunities.
But Liverpool are competing on multiple fronts.
If Iraola believes another midfielder is required, bringing in someone of Camara’s profile could give him another option.
January could be interesting
I actually like the idea of Liverpool continuing to look at the position.
That doesn’t necessarily mean they need to panic and sign somebody simply for the sake of it.
But if the club genuinely believes Camara can improve the squad, January could be the right time to make a move.
Football Insider’s report suggests the midfielder has now moved high up Liverpool’s list of potential mid-season targets.
And considering Chelsea were prepared to spend heavily on him only a few weeks ago, Liverpool clearly aren’t the only club that see something in the player.
Another player to keep an eye on
For me, this is one to watch.
Liverpool’s midfield situation could look very different by January depending on how the next few months go.
If Iraola’s current options establish themselves and the youngsters continue developing, perhaps the need won’t be quite as great.
But if the same concerns remain, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Liverpool make a serious move for a midfielder.
And Lamine Camara could be one of the names right at the top of that list.
It’s still September, so there’s obviously a long way to go before the January window opens.
But this is definitely a transfer story I’m going to be keeping an eye on.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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