EPL
Should Liverpool consider Ranieri’s offer?
Cameroonian defender Joel Matip was arguably Liverpool’s best defender for most of last season. His solid partnership with Van Dijk was one of the reasons Liverpool beat Chelsea to the fourth position by the end of last season.
Unfortunately for the center-back, he picked up a long-term injury which ruled him out of action for four months.
While on his way to full recovery, young and determined England international Joe Gomez stepped up his game by becoming a regular figure at the heart of defence alongside Dutch defender Van Dijk.
The 22-year-old defender created a unique understanding with his fellow defenders while the presence of former Southampton defender has been his source of inspiration.
Despite his return to full fitness before the start of this season, Matip failed to return to Klopp’s starting lineup as his place had already been occupied by a more determined and reliable Joe Gomez.
According to reports via Sky Sports, Fulham’s new manager Claudio Ranieri, who led Leicester City to a famous Premier League glory in the 2015-16 season, is keen on luring the 27-year-old to Craven Cottage in January.
The former Leicester City manager was charged by his new employers to bring struggling Fulham out of relegation zone before the end of the season.
To accomplish this mission, Ranieri is reportedly interested in Matip’s services as he hopes to shake up his defence line for the second half of the campaign.
Should Liverpool consider Ranieri’s offer?
With Joe Gomez’s form, Robertson’s brilliance, Van Dijk’s leadership, Dejan Lovren’s calmness and Alexander-Arnold’s blistering performances, Klopp should do all he could to see that the Cameroonian join Ranieri at Fulham.
This is because the Reds stand to gain more from his sale rather than paying him for sitting on the substitute bench.
A deal between both clubs will open up room for Klopp to negotiate a move for Fulham’s youngster Ryan Sessegnon.
Sessegnon, 18, was a target for many Premier League clubs during the summer transfer market but the Cottagers held on the his signature, knowing well that his services would be needed if they must avoid being relegated by the end of the campaign.
Despite his tender age, the England youth international has featured in 80 matches, scoring 21 goals in all competitions.
His versatility makes him an upgrade to Joel Matip who hardly push forward to score goals. Sessegnon could feature as left-back and as a winger, depending on the manager’s tactical approach.
With Sessegnon at Anfield, the Reds won’t have any reason to shop for another left winger in the nearest future as long as things work out well for the youngster.
Swapping an ageing Matip for a young and lively Sessegnon might appear as gamble but it’s definitely one that would benefit the Anfield outfits in the long run.
