Liverpool move on from Mbappe with €100m bid for 'next Messi'

Tom Weber

• Updated: 13 Feb 2024 09:44 GMT
• 3 min read

Liverpool are plotting a spectacular swoop for Lamine Yamal, according to a sensational report from Spain.

The Reds are in for a major summer overhaul, which has already had some adverse effects on their summer business. While their pursuit of Kylian Mbappe was always unlikely to end in success, the announcement of Jurgen Klopp's departure at the end of the season has officially put to bed any faint hopes of landing the megastar.

Klopp was very much the ace up Liverpool's sleeve, with his courtship of Mbappe all the way back in 2017 having left a lasting impression on the seemingly Real Madrid-bound Frenchman. With Klopp to depart and no sporting director currently at the club, plans for summer recruitment have been put on hold.

Yet, Klopp may not be the only one to leave. Mohamed Salah continues to be linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, so there might be a need to bring in a high-profile replacement - and what better player to replace the Egyptian than the 'next Lionel Messi?'

Yamal to Liverpool?

At least that is a scenario posited by Spanish outlet OKDiario. It is asserted that the Liverpool board are 'unanimous' about their interest in Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal and have made him a 'top target' despite the uncertainty hanging over the club.

The report goes so far as to assert that the Reds would be prepared to 'go all out' for the teenage sensation, though that is likely just a turn of phrase as truly 'going all out' would mean paying his €1 billion release clause. Barcelona, given their financial struggles, could be tempted into a sale, though, and a €100 million bid could break their resolve.

However, it seems extremely unlikely that anything will materialise on this front. Not only would Yamal, who is still just 16, be unable to join Liverpool for another two years, but the youngster seemingly has no intention of departing Barcelona. In fact, the Blaugrana already have an agreement in principle with him to sign an eight-year, big-money contract when he turns 18.