Liverpool have long list of alternatives as Real Madrid 'win' Aurélien Tchouaméni transfer
race
If there is one area that feels a little bit short on depth at Liverpool, it's the holding
midfield position.
When Fabinho went down with a muscle injury earlier this month, the level of concern around
the club highlighted this issue, and it is one Julian Ward may be looking to fix this
summer.
Based on the transfer rumours, it seemed like Liverpool's priority was to land 22-year-old
AS Monaco midfielder, Aurélien Tchouaméni.
He is highly rated in world football, and has been catching the eye at AS Monaco in
recent seasons, having recently broken into the French national team.
However, recent reports in France have emerged which suggest Liverpool will miss out on the
midfielder.
According to RMC Sport, Tchouaméni has chosen Real Madrid as his next destination, as the
ECHO have always maintained would be the case.
This leaves Liverpool having to pursue another option.
On such possibility is Ibrahim Sangaré, who has recently emerged as someone on the club's
radar.
It's easy to see why with Sangaré's style similar to that of Fabinho in his high defensive
output and forward-thinking possession play.
But the 24-year-old PSV holding midfielder is not the only option for Liverpool.
Taking a look at Wyscout's data, Liverpool have other options this summer who have similar
strengths to Fabinho, softening the blow of failing to land Tchouaméni as a hybrid understudy
for the Brazilian and option further forward.
Some of the key metrics where Fabinho excels are in defensive duels (7.4), defensive duel
success rate (65 per cent), possession-adjusted interceptions (6.9) and forward passes (14.37).
Taking a look at European football, there are several players who fit that criteria
and who play in the holding midfield position.
One such man could be 23-year-old Martín Zubimendi, who has enjoyed an excellent campaign
with Real Sociedad, and who worked closely with Xabi Alonso in the club's youth team
before making the step up to the seniors.
Zubimendi would be on the higher end of the scale in terms of transfer value and considering
he has not really played as a number eight, he may not be the best option from a financial
perspective.
Red Bull Salzburg's 22-year-old, Mohamed Camara, may be a better fit in this regard, with the
Malian international valued significantly lower and with Liverpool having strong links
with Red Bull clubs, enabling smoother negotiations.
At the same time, he has Champions League credentials, and has excelled for Salzburg
in the past few seasons, suggesting he is ready for the step up.
Kouadio Manu Koné of Borussia Mochengladbach could be another solution.
However, he is on a long-term contract at the club and only joined the Bundesliga outfit
last summer, making any sort of potential move more tricky in the immediate future.
If Liverpool are thinking outside the box, Croatian international Nikola Moro could be
an interesting pick-up, and one who may even be available as a free agent this summer due
to FIFA regulations in regards to Russia-based players.
At 23 years old, Ladislav Krejčí is another under-the-radar name who fits into Fabinho's
criteria in terms of similar numbers this season.
Interestingly, he has enjoyed a stellar campaign in front of goal, netting nine times in 30
appearances for Sparta Prague.
Again, he would likely be available for a cheaper fee than other more high-profile options.
Highly-rated Al Ahly midfielder Aliou Dieng, who caught the eye in the FIFA Club World
Cup and is a regular for Mali at international level, may be another low-cost option for
FSG.
The step up from Al Ahly to Liverpool would be a steep one.
However, as a back-up to Fabinho, he may just be worth the gamble.
Tchouaméni may have been the priority at Anfield this summer, but the club still has
plenty of other options in the market.
As has always been the case with Liverpool, sometimes the alternative options end up as
the club's best signings.