Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann believes Newcastle United Brazilian battering ram Joelinton ‘would suit’ Jurgen Klopp’s side as the Premier League giants prepare for a midfield overhaul.
There was some rather mixed news for Liverpool fans this week.
Alexis Mac Allister, Brighton’s World Cup winning playmaker, is reportedly on his way to Anfield, a deal worth around £70 million ‘agreed’.
But the rumour mill giveth, the rumour mill taketh away. Liverpool appeared to be frontrunners for Mason Mount too. Though The Athletic now believe that the Chelsea contract rebel is ‘leaning’ towards joining their north west neighbours Manchester United instead.
As talented and as flexible as Mac Allister may be, signing just the one new midfielder this summer would almost feel like slapping a sticking plaster on a broken leg. Especially with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, James Milner and Naby Keita leaving. And with Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Thiago Alcantara seemingly past their peak.
Mount may be slipping through Klopp’s fingers. But Hamann feels that there is another Premier League maestro who would tick a lot of boxes as far as Liverpool are concerned.
Is Newcastle’s Joelinton really ideal for Liverpool?
“I’d like a player like Joelinton from Newcastle, who’s got a physical presence,” Hamann tells i News. “The players Liverpool have got are all very similar. And if you look at the size of the Newcastle team…
“Size isn’t everything. But when you stand in the tunnel and see these guys you think; ‘wow’. They’re not just big, they can play as well.
“I would like a player of Joelinton’s stature. (A player) who can make a goal, has got a physical presence, is good on the ball, is just an all-round player, and hasn’t got too many defensive responsibilities with one player behind him. A player with a physical presence would suit Liverpool very well.”
From £40 million flop to the pride of Tyneside; few players – with the possible exception of Granit Xhaka – have enjoyed a turnaround so dramatic over the last three years. Forced into an ill-fitting number nine role by Steve Bruce, the former Hoffenheim ace has been a man reborn in a box-to-box role, showcasing the energy, industry and occasional quality that potentially makes him an ideal addition for Klopp’s hard-running midfield.
The chances of Joelinton leaving his beloved Newcastle, however, appear slim. The Magpies secured Champions League qualification this week. Liverpool, in contrast, will see their own top four hopes go up in smoke if Manchester United avoid defeat against Chelsea at Old Trafford tonight.
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