Liverpool could soon get their hands on the next Kaoru Mitoma as Jürgen Klopp sets his sights on Keito Nakamura.
What’s the story?
Well, the Reds are keeping an eye on the Japan Under-21 international according to a report from the Telegraph.
It is said that Liverpool have been scouting Nakamura, while Brighton are also interested as they look to find more gems like Mitoma, who has thrived for them since his £2.5m arrival from Kawasaki Frontale.
The LASK No.38 has been performing tremendously in the Austrian Bundesliga, a division where the likes of Sadio Mane and Erling Haaland learned their trade.
Nakamura has scored 12 goals – while also providing six assists – in just 20 appearances across all competitions this season, with the Telegraph claiming that Liverpool will continue to scout him until the summer.
Just by watching footage of the 22-year-old in action, it is hard not to make comparisons to his fellow countryman Mitoma.
In truth, Nakamura also has a bit of Mane about him as well, given his directness and unerring finishing ability.
As you can see above, the Japanese hotshot is a real menace cutting inside from the left flank onto his stronger right foot, while – like Mane at the back end of last season – he can also be effective in central areas.
Liverpool need Nakamura
In our view, the signing of Nakamura would allow Klopp’s attack to return to what it once was.
Cody Gakpo has done well since arriving in January, but he is nowhere near as quick as Mane or Luis Diaz, which can often slow things down up top.
With Nakamura causing chaos on the left, Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota or Gakpo can be used centrally, with Mohamed Salah mirroring the Japanese forward on the right with his pace in behind.
If Liverpool can strike a deal with LASK for Nakamura, it would be a hugely encouraging sign following some questionable market decisions in recent times, such as the signing of Arthur Melo.
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