Liverpool are set to submit a £42M (€50M) bid for Moises Caicedo after he revealed in 2021 that it’s his dream to play for Manchester United.
Last summer, the Ecuadorian might have been questioned for rejecting Liverpool for Manchester United but if you were to base things purely on the Reds’ showing at Old Trafford, it would be a much more reasonable decision.
Whereas in the past, Liverpool have been characterised as an energetic, hungry and hard-working side, it was Erik ten Hag’s United side that showed more desire as they deservedly beat Jurgen Klopp’s men 2-1.
Manchester United are outworking Liverpool 😤 pic.twitter.com/xivIqQXweT
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 22, 2022
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk were statuesque in defence and showed none of the desire to match United’s hereto unforeseen tempo.
If back-to-back draws against Fulham and Crystal Palace did not show Fenway Sports Group that this squad is crying out for improvement, the defeat to Manchester United should have.
Liverpool need a transfer solution to solve injury crisis
A midfield injury crisis is ravaging Liverpool and, in fact, on the whole, Klopp is managing a full-blown squad crisis with 9 players injured.
This is crazy 🤯 pic.twitter.com/RsETMFSYhs
— – (@AnfieldRd96) August 25, 2022
Darwin Nunez is also suspended but there can be no complaints about that.
The full list of Liverpool injuries and suspensions is as follows:
- Thiago Alcantara (Hamstring)
- Diogo Jota (Thigh)
- Joel Matip (Groin)
- Curtis Jones (Calf)
- Naby Keita (Unknown)
- Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Hamstring)
- Ibrahima Konate (Knee)
- Caoimhin Kelleher (Uknown)
- Calvin Ramsay (Uknown)
- Darwin Nunez (Red card – 2 games remaining)
While there are injuries across the squad that are all affecting Liverpool in some way, the biggest impact is being seen in midfield.
Against United, Henderson and Milner simply seemed too slow for the level they were playing at but what options were there available to Klopp?
Fabinho was on the bench as he still looks exhausted from the manic of the 2021/22 season which saw Liverpool play a historic number (63) of games.
Liverpool don’t have a specialist backup to the Brazilian and so he is often forced to play even when he could use a break.
Beyond Flaco, the bench was occupied by Bobby Clack (17), Stefan Bajcetic (17) and Fabio Carvalho (19).
All three are very talented but they cannot be expected to change the game when their senior teammates are strolling around in defence.
Harvey Elliott was stranded as Milner and Hendo were often caught out of position as United’s pace and energy destroyed Liverpool on the break.
Reports state that Liverpool will bid £42M for Moises Caicedo
Liverpool have been linked several times with a move for the 20-year-old this summer and he could be a very interesting solution to Klopp’s lack of midfielders.
I’ve already written that he won’t be the versatile option that Klopp might want but he would add more energy and defensive prowess in the centre of the park.
A South American outlet, Studio Football, (via The Mirror) claims that Liverpool are “looking to sign” Caicedo this summer, and are “preparing a bid” in the region of €50M (£42M).
It’s a lot of money to pay for a 20-year-old but given the need to get someone in that can immediately help turn the season around, Caicedo’s Premier League experience is crucial.
Liverpool are at a crossroads and not making a new signing may well go down as a serious mistake.
Moises Caicedo said his dream is to “play for Manchester United”
Speaking last summer, Caicedo revealed his ambition of playing for Manchester United but Liverpool are set to bid €50M to sign him.
He said via The Athletic: “My dream is to play for Manchester United.
“Antonio Valencia is an example to follow.
“With his strength and dedication, he was able to get to that level.
“That motivates me to keep working hard and do the right things.”
After United beat Liverpool, the Reds could really use a lift and signing Caicedo, a public fan of the Red Devils, would be a nice little consolation prize.
More than that, he could help spur Liverpool on to chase down the Premier League leaders and ensure this season isn’t remembered for a failure to strengthen and improve.
