A Liverpool player could swap Anfield for the Camp Nou amid claims Barcelona will try to sign him in the summer transfer window.
Liverpool are set for a squad rebuild at the end of the season. Players such as Naby Keita, Roberto Firmino, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Joel Matip could be allowed to leave. This will make space in the squad for some new arrivals.
Manager Jurgen Klopp hinted several transfers would happen this summer during a recent media appearance. “We know we have to improve and change things and we will,” he said.
“We cannot do it now but it’s already clear that we have to do something in the summer. For now, we just have to go through this and fight back.”
Jude Bellingham is their main target to improve the midfield. Liverpool are rivalling Real Madrid, Manchester City and Manchester United for him, though former Reds man Didi Hamann has suggested they land a Premier League midfielder instead.
Klopp is also a big fan of RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol. But once again Liverpool will have to overcome Real to capture him.
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While Bellingham and Gvardiol could move to Anfield, Keita is close to leaving. The 28-year-old is of interest to Serie A and Bundesliga clubs.
But now there is the possibility of Keita going to Barca. According to Spanish outlet Sport, he is on the list of potential free agents Barca are looking at.
Barcelona want Liverpool player on free transfer
Keita’s Liverpool contract expires on June 30, which means Barca will be able to sign him on a free transfer in July. The La Liga giants need to complete more transfers like this due to their financial problems.
Keita is not the only Premier League midfielder Xavi is considering signing. Ilkay Gundogan, N’Golo Kante and Youri Tielemans are also in his sights.
While Keita’s free-agent status makes him an attractive signing, it is surprising that a club the size of Barca are interested in him. He has never been a reliable player for Liverpool, having picked up a plethora of injuries during his time on Merseyside.
Barca do not have the finances to offer players who are not going to be fit every week lucrative contracts. But perhaps Xavi believes he can keep the Guinean fit and get the best out of him.
While Keita could achieve a shock move to Barca, fellow midfielder Oxlade-Chamberlain is likely to take a step down when leaving Liverpool. Reports in Turkey claim Fenerbahce are planning to offer him a transfer lifeline.