Turning their attention towards future stars, Liverpool scouts are now reportedly keen for sporting director Richard Hughes to sign one particular 16-year-old gem ahead of Barcelona this summer.
Liverpool could endure summer of change
With Trent Alexander-Arnold’s exit now more inevitable than ever and the likes of Andy Robertson and Darwin Nunez struggling for form under Arne Slot, it could be a summer of change at Liverpool. What they will hope to avoid, however, are departures for Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, with a new deal for the former now considered a matter of when and not if, as per David Ornstein.
The Dutchman provided a fresh update on his deal following Liverpool’s 3-2 defeat at the hands of Fulham, telling reporters: “There is progress, yeah. Listen, these are internal discussions and we’ll see.
“I love the club, I love the fans and they were there for us again [at Fulham]. We wanted to reward them, but I ask them to be there again on Sunday and make the stadium an amazing venue like always for us.”
Of course, Van Dijk’s main focus will be on ensuring that Liverpool seal the Premier League title once and for all in their remaining seven games. Sat 11 points clear of chasing contenders Arsenal, the Reds need just four wins to secure their crown. Even if doubt began to creep in against Fulham too, the Reds could instantly put that to bed against West Ham United this weekend.
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Meanwhile, once their place at the top of English football is confirmed, their focus will turn towards the summer transfer window. Already, a number of names have threatened to steal the headlines on that front and if reports are anything to go by, those at Anfield are in for a busy few months ahead of next season.
Liverpool battling Barcelona to sign Mederic
Though it’ll be bigger names like Jonathan David and Milos Kerkez who steal the headlines this summer, no matter where they find themselves playing next season, Liverpool are still keeping an eye on welcoming future stars.
According to Africa Foot, as relayed by Sports Witness, Liverpool scouts are now keen for Hughes to sign Obli Kouame Jean Mederic ahead of interest from Barcelona, who want to add him to their famous La Masia academy.
The 16-year-old defender has reportedly been outstanding at the U17 Africa Cup of Nations this month and has done enough to attract the attention of Liverpool, Barcelona, Marseille and Atalanta.
Helping Ivory Coast finish top of their group at the U17 AFCON, Mederic is certainly one to watch at just 16 years old. Liverpool, of course, aren’t afraid to shop around other academies, having welcomed Harvey Elliott from Fulham in the past and – more recently – Rio Ngumoha from Chelsea last summer.
Now, they could get one over on Barcelona by welcoming Mederic at the first chance they get this summer. It’s then that the Ivory Coast defender would join up with the Reds’ academy, before perhaps one day joining the likes of Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate within Slot’s backline.
