Earlier today, it was revealed that West Ham had made a £34m bid for Lyon maestro Lucas Paqueta – now, we believe Liverpool must react.
What’s the story?
Well, if West Ham think they can attract the Brazil international, Jürgen Klopp surely has a chance of bringing him to Anfield.
David Moyes has confirmed that the east Londoners sent a £34m offer to Lyon, which was particularly interesting seeing as the Scot rarely discusses transfer business so openly – nor do many other managers.
Given the worrying lack of midfield options at Klopp’s disposal, Liverpool have to at least match that bid.
The Reds can offer Paqueta the chance to play Champions League football for the first time in his career, whereas West Ham can only offer him UEFA Conference League football this season.
Therefore, the South American would surely drop all interest in West Ham if Liverpool came calling, a club where he also has a significantly greater chance of winning trophies.
As things stand, Klopp is without Thiago, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita through injury, and those who were fit to partake in the 2-1 defeat to Manchester United, such as Jordan Henderson and James Milner, looked sluggish. The lack of options on the bench is also extremely concerning.
Paqueta is anything but sluggish. The 24-year-old would inject intensity back into Liverpool’s engine room, with his forward thinking style evoking memories of Philippe Coutinho ripping it up on Merseyside.
The Lyon No.10 is in the form of his career, so if Liverpool fail to sign him now, they may end up looking at an eye-watering price tag should they decide to pursue him in future.
Paqueta scored 11 goals and provided seven assists in 44 appearances last season, with his efforts seeing him crowned Best Foreign Player in France – ahead of Lionel Messi and Neymar.
Liverpool know what is required to beat West Ham to Lucas Paqueta
According to Ben Jacobs of CBS Sports, Lyon are demanding £50m for Paqueta – a sum Liverpool can afford.
Of course, some people will point to Fenway Sports Group’s policy of selling in order to buy.
However, if West Ham can throw around £34m bids after already signing Gianluca Scamacca for £35.5m, and the likes of Nottingham Forest are making £45m signings such as Morgan Gibbs-White, Liverpool surely have the money.
If a significant move isn’t made to ease Klopp’s midfield crisis, the torches and pitchforks will surely be out for FSG.
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