Liverpool could line up similar to the current Brazil team if they sign the £40m rated midfielder who is set to become a free agent.
Barcelona’s financial issues mean that new signings Franck Kessie, Andreas Christensen, Raphinia and Robert Lewandowski have not been registered by La Liga ahead of the start of the season this weekend.
This could see the powerful Ivorian midfielder leave on a free transfer with the former AC Milan star likely to have no shortage of potential suitors.
However, considering Liverpool’s current injury issues, could the Reds swoop in and secure a player of real quality for nothing? It remains to be seen.
🚨 Newly signed Andreas Christensen & Franck Kessie could both LEAVE Barcelona THIS summer for free if they're not registered in time for Saturday's match against Rayo Vallecano.
Both players could choose to execute a clause in their contracts allowing them to leave for free🤯 pic.twitter.com/UQk0a2rE5s
— GiveMeSport (@GiveMeSport) August 10, 2022
How would Kessie fit in?
If Liverpool signed the 25-year-old then it could see them replicate a similar system to what the Brazilian national team currently utilises.
Given the absence of Thiago until mid-September and the lack of options due to injuries – a switch to a 4-2-3-1 formation could help Liverpool through this period of absences.
Kessie and Fabinho would surely combine for what would be a physically dominant partnership ahead of the Liverpool defence and one that would see Kessie given license to join attacks, albeit before retreating back to shielding the defence.
It would also mean the full-backs would be protected by this defensive midfield pair and it would mean the likes of Jordan Henderson can come in and out of the team and give Fabinho the rest he deserves as he’s currently the only true defensive midfielder in the squad.
49' Passe décisive de Franck Kessie, seulement 4 minutes après avoir réalisé ses débuts au Spotify Camp Nou, pour @Auba ! Barça 5 – 0 Pumas UNAM pic.twitter.com/ByDav1BmW4
— FC Barcelona (@fcbarcelona_fra) August 7, 2022
Whereas Fabinho links up with Casimero or Fred at international level, Kessie is a very experienced and underrated player given his technical qualities are often overlooked.
According to FbRef, he’s in the 86th percentile for touches in the opposition box, the 78th for progressive passes, as well as the 83rd for non-penalty goals from a midfielder per 90.
He managed seven goals and one assist in 39 games last season helping Milan to win the Scudetto and he would offer an all-round midfield presence that can also play and contribute in the attacking phase.
Liverpool are not currently linked but if he isn’t registered by this weekend, he could leave on a free transfer and then, who knows, the Reds may move for him after all.
