Liverpool have “eyeballed” a possible summer free transfer for N’Golo Kante as part of a potential midfield rebuild.
That’s according to Pete O’Rourke, who spoke of the possible move as a potentially very “cunning” one for the Anfield club, who are reportedly monitoring the France international (Football Insider).
The journalist told GIVEMESPORT: “It’s a deal they’ve looked at, in the hope that maybe they can persuade Kante to leave Chelsea on a free transfer. We all know Liverpool’s need for midfield reinforcements.
“It looks like there is going to be a big rebuilding job in that engine room for Jurgen Klopp’s team and Kante, with his experience and knowledge, is a winner. Wherever he’s been, he’s been extremely successful. Landing someone like that on a free transfer would be shrewd business.
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Kante’s £290,000 a week (per FBREF) contract at Stamford Bridge is set to expire this summer, with the player in talks with the Blues over a potential extension to that deal (Football Insider).
Indeed, the 31-year-old has amassed a brilliant resume, savoring World Cup and Champions League glory, while also playing for two Premier League-winning teams, as well as being a former Player of the Year. of the PFA.
The Frenchman has previously developed a reputation as a “phenomenal destroyer”, in the words of Joey Barton (per BBC Sport). Furthermore, the need for a midfield rebuild at Liverpool is evident amid his struggles in that area this season and some of his own current options are out of contract in the summer.
However, even on a free transfer, we’re not sure if Kante would be the smartest acquisition. In a position where the Reds have been plagued by injuries this season, their own record in that regard leaves a lot to be desired.
At 31, he wouldn’t exactly be a long-term midfield solution, while he may need to compromise a bit on his current salary to suit the salary structure at Anfield, where only one current player earns more than him per week.
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