Liverpool are reportedly close to signing Cheick Doucoure after a reliable source revealed the Crystal Palace man is ‘strongly’ interested in a move to Anfield this summer.
The summer window is quickly becoming a horror story for the Reds. After losing six midfielders from their group last season, they had to start the 2023/24 season with just two signings – and subsequently four missing players – in their engine room.
And while Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai are both great additions, it’s clear that additional reinforcements are needed. However, efforts to sign both Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia ended much to the disappointment of Jurgen Klopp, who were both disappointed. Lavia’s failure to land is certainly a sore point at Anfield. After turning down two offers from a determined Southampton, Liverpool finally bowed to the Saints’ demands and met the teenager’s asking price. But that delay in finalizing his signing allowed Chelsea, who have offered more than Liverpool, to lock them in on his signing.
That epic transfer botched when Lavia landed has been explained, with the Belgian seemingly “bewildered” by Liverpool’s approach.
As a result, the time has come to get this window against Liverpool to bring in more reinforcements. And with other desperate clubs, Liverpool could be forced to pay more than potential targets demand.
With that in mind, a report on Wednesday morning suggested Klopp had now drawn up a new wishlist of six players, including a Premier League trio valued at £210million.
Klopp has now identified one of them in Doucoure as his new main target, according to the Independent’s Miguel Delaney.
And after two failed transfers to Lavia and Caicedo, Liverpool are finally hoping to get lucky for a third time on their recent return.
Liverpool hoping for Cheick Doucour deal
The Malian has been a revelation at Selhurst Park since joining from Lens for £18m last summer. Beating Michael Olise and Wilfried Zaha for their club’s player of the year shows how good he was for the Eagles. However, his time in South West London appears to have come to an end after just one season.
And according to Delaney, Liverpool sources believe a deal for the 23-year-old could be reached relatively easily. Doucouré was indeed valued at £70m when news of Liverpool’s interest first surfaced earlier this summer.
However, according to information Delaney received, Liverpool believe they can secure a deal worth over £50m, but are short of the £60m mark. Consequently, the Reds are ‘stepping up their efforts’ to bring the 12-time international to Anfield.
Moreover, the midfielder has reportedly said he will move to Merseyside as Doucoure is ‘interested in moving to Anfield’ and personal terms ‘wouldn’t be a problem’.
The news will come as a huge relief to Klopp, who is now hoping to complete the signing at the first available opportunity.
And while a deal is unlikely to be signed before the weekend, it seems clear the defensive midfielder could be signed in time to make his debut in Newcastle’s thrilling clash on Sunday August 27.
While the news may seem like great news for Liverpool, it will be another hammer blow for Palace. Roy Hodgson’s side have already lost Zaha to Galatasaray on a day off, while Chelsea have activated the £35m release clause in Michael Olise’s contract.
