According to Goal, Liverpool considered signing James Ward-Prowse from Southampton this summer, only to decide against it.
What’s the story?
Well, in a debrief of Liverpool’s transfer activity – or lack of, rather – Goal revealed that the Reds had a look at the 8-cap England international.
Liverpool also explored a deal for Marcel Sabitzer, although the Austrian went on to join Bayern Munich.
Eventually, Ward-Prowse – who has 272 Premier League appearances to his name – decided to sign a new contract with the Saints.
The 26-year-old is clearly committed to Ralph Hasenhuttl’s project, as he put pen to paper on a fresh five-year contract according to Sky Sports.
Again revealed by Sky Sports, Aston Villa saw a £25m bid rejected for the midfielder, so Ward-Prowse was clearly a wanted man over the summer.
Liverpool would’ve been better suited than Aston Villa
In our view, Ward-Prowse would’ve suited Jürgen Klopp’s high-energy pressing system more than Dean Smith’s style of play.
The Southampton captain has limitless energy, and almost never seems to be injured – his fitness levels are exceptional.
He is also technically good enough to make things happen in a lively side containing the likes of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.
Having said that, we’re not sure why Klopp was thinking about signing Ward-Prowse when he already has plenty of midfield options.
Liverpool can choose from Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Thiago, Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott.
With so many players in the midfield department, it wouldn’t have been worth signing Ward-Prowse, in our view.
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