Fabrizio Romano: FSG hold talks to sign £80m+ star for Liverpool, he’s like a mini-Coutinho…

Fabrizio Romano: FSG is in discussions to acquire a star valued at over £80m for Liverpool, who resembles a mini-Coutinho.

Liverpool is a club with high ambitions, and the Reds’ supporters expect nothing less than a strong title challenge in the upcoming season.

Nonetheless, significant work lies ahead. Arsenal has secured the Premier League title, and Arne Slot failed to gain sufficient favor from the Liverpool fanbase to spearhead the next campaign.

With Andoni Iraola now at the helm, succeeding Slot, who managed the team for two years after Jurgen Klopp’s departure, there is hope that the Reds can make a swift recovery. However, the extent of Liverpool’s decline during the Dutchman’s second season highlights the urgent need for comprehensive changes this summer.

The unique attacking prowess of Mohamed Salah is no longer effectively utilized by the team; additionally, Andy Robertson has departed Merseyside on a free transfer, taking his leadership and vibrant energy to Tottenham Hotspur.

It goes without saying that new signings are essential.

Liverpool has engaged in discussions to recruit a Premier League midfielder.

One thing is clear: Liverpool is actively seeking a prominent midfielder this summer. The uncertainty surrounding the futures of Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones has prompted sporting director Richard Hughes to explore several potential high-profile replacements.

Arsenal is currently in a competitive pursuit with Newcastle United, aiming to secure Bruno Guimaraes as their target.

However, Liverpool is also involved, with recent reports indicating that the representatives of the Magpies’ captain have reached out to FSG to discuss their client’s capabilities. Whether Liverpool will proceed with a deal for the £100m-rated Brazilian remains to be seen.

Spain’s Victor Munoz has already joined Iraola’s squad, but Yan Diomande is still the ultimate target—after all, Salah needs to be replaced.

How Liverpool will address the various issues that need resolution is yet to be determined, but in terms of the midfield market, there is an intriguing alternative to Guimaraes that has caught the Reds’ attention.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool is keen on acquiring West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes this summer, as the Portuguese talent is poised to depart the London Stadium following his club’s relegation to the Championship.

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are competing for Fernandes’ signature, drawing the interest of many observers, but Liverpool is also in contention, having expressed interest in the 22-year-old at the end of May.

It’s clear: Liverpool are not leading the pack in this pursuit.

However, FSG often operates discreetly, so they should not be ruled out of this competition just yet. Although Fernandes’ £80m price tag may be a barrier, Liverpool is actively seeking a midfielder. They need to secure a new signing, so why not target a rising star who bears some resemblance to Phil Coutinho?

Why Fernandes could be a ‘mini-Coutinho’ for Liverpool

Fernandes is among the most gifted young midfielders globally. Despite experiencing his second consecutive relegation from the Premier League, this does not diminish his potential to shine at a club like Liverpool.

Former Southampton star Jo Tessem has predicted that he possesses the skills to become the “ultimate Premier League midfielder.” Fernandes is both physical and progressive, showcasing elegance and dynamism. There is much to admire, and it’s easy to see why he would be considered as a replacement for someone like Mac Allister in Liverpool’s midfield.

While Fernandes may not be as flamboyant or overtly attacking as Coutinho, there are enough similarities that could allow him to evolve into a comparable player for the Reds, delivering a box-to-box impact while also adding flair and an X-factor to Iraola’s system.

Last season, the Portugal prospect excelled in ball-carrying and long-passing metrics among Premier League midfielders, averaging 3.07 tackles per game. This highlights an all-around capability that surpasses most of his positional counterparts.

Coutinho’s transfer to Barcelona for £142m in January 2018 marked a significant moment as the Klopp era was gaining momentum. It was a bittersweet moment, yet it played a crucial role in Liverpool’s rise to prominence.

The memory of witnessing the little magician weave through Premier League defenses and score stunning goals remains vivid for Liverpool fans.

He was exceptional, and Fernandes has the potential to bring back the excitement that was noticeably lacking from Slot’s Liverpool last season.

In fact, Fernandes may be a more well-rounded footballer than Coutinho. He stands out as one of the most gifted midfielders in the Premier League and could prove to be a pivotal player for the Anfield club in the upcoming season.