Liverpool have been scouting Yves Bissouma for a long time and after he exploded into life in the Premier League, he was shortlisted as a replacement for the soon to depart Gini Wijnaldum, Anfield Central understands.
The Dutchman is set to leave the club and although nothing is official, he has been flirting with Barcelona for roughly a year now. His contract expires on the 30th of June and while Liverpool still have an offer on the table, there is no suggestion that he will sign it.
There were suggestions last summer that he would head to the Allianz Arena as part of a swap deal that would see Thiago Alcantara head to Anfield. While the latter got his wish, Bayern Munich baulked at the contract demands made by the Reds’ no.5.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – APRIL 14: Georginio Wijnaldum of Liverpool reacts after missing a chance during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Second Leg match between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid at Anfield on April 14, 2021 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
We reported last week that Michael Edwards made enquiries to people in the know about the type of person Yves Bissouma is.
Liverpool’s success at Anfield has been founded not just on talent and ability but on character.
He labelled his side the ‘Mentality Monsters’ as they dominated their way to a 99-point first title win in the Premier League and this has so much to do with the histories of his players.
The likes of Sadio Mane have come from hugely difficult backgrounds and the likes of Andy Robertson did the improbable by becoming professional footballers.
11/05/13 IRN-BRU SFL DIV2 PLAY-OFF SEMI-FINAL 2ND LEG.PETERHEAD v QUEENS PARK.BALMOOR – PETERHEAD.Queen’s Park’s Andrew Robertson trudges off as his side suffer defeat to Peterhead (Photo by Jeff Holmes/SNS Group via Getty Images)
Anfield Central has now been told that the enquiries made by Michael Edwards regarding Yves Bissouma have been met with overwhelmingly positive responses.
While the Mali international arrived at Brighton with some attitude issues, he has matured so much playing alongside the likes of Glenn Murray and Pascal Groß.
He was very young when he was playing for Lille in a squad with a very low average age but since his switch to the Premier League and as he’s grown older, Bissouma has blossomed into one of the best midfielders in the division.
Purely based on the character evaluation of the 24-year-old, it seems as though he’s a perfect fit for Liverpool and that’s before you even consider his physical and technical capabilities.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 03: Yves Bissouma of Brighton and Hove Albion is challenged by Thiago Alcantara of Liverpool as Xherdan Shaqiri of Liverpool looks on during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield on February 03, 2021 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Paul Ellis – Pool/Getty Images)
Bissouma’s defensive nous would make him the ideal man to play in Liverpool’s midfield.
He is more used to playing as a no.6 but should adapt to a no.8 role with ease.
His combative style coupled with his dribbling and shooting make him a very interesting player and one that Liverpool fans will certainly love.
