Trent Alexander-Arnold was a midfielder for Liverpool’s Academy and by signing Achraf Hakimi, the Reds could bolster right-back, midfield and right-wing in one fell swoop.
Fabrizio Romano reports that new Inter Milan manager Filippo Inzaghi has called Romelu Lukaku after being appointed, with the Scudetto winners reportedly confirming their desire to hold onto the Belgian forward.
Beyond Lukaku, there are a number of players that could leave the club this summer, with Anfield Central being told that Nico Barella is a target for Liverpool although his price could hinder their desire to add him to the club’s midfield ranks.
One player that Liverpool should target (but currently aren’t) is Achraf Hakimi. PSG are in negotiations with Inter over the 22-year-old and the Reds should consider hijacking the talks to boost both midfield and right back.
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 20: Achraf Hakimi of Inter Milan scores their team’s first goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Spezia Calcio at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on December 20, 2020 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Romano claims that after Inter signed Hakimi in July 2020 for €40million (£36.3m), they will not accept anything less than €80million (£68.8m) this summer and while that’s a massive fee, it could set Liverpool up for the next decade.
I’ll be the first to admit that the price of a deal for Hakimi automatically makes this the type of deal that FSG has made a habit of avoiding but, according to their transfer protocols, it actually makes perfect sense.
Young age, huge talent ceiling, the obvious potential for clutch moments in silverware hunts, versatility and his personality and character are in line with who the Anfield side tends to recruit.
The only part of this deal that doesn’t make immediate sense is the price but even then, there are ways to rationalise making Hakimi the club’s second most expensive signing ever and that’s where Trent Alexander-Arnold comes in.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – APRIL 10: Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool celebrates with teammate Xherdan Shaqiri after scoring their team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Aston Villa at Anfield on April 10, 2021 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Liverpool have already addressed the major weakness in the squad: depth at centre-back.
Ibrahima Konate joins the club for £36million and represents another incredible bargain that Michael Edwards has identified and secured.
At face value, signing Achraf Hakimi for €80m when Klopp already has the best attacking right back in the world seems daft but if the high-flyer arrived, Liverpool could move Trent into midfield.
Not only is Hakimi one of the best right-backs in the world, but he is also fantastic at right-wing.
So by spending on €80m (£68.8m) on one player, Jurgen Klopp would actually be spending €26.6m (£22.8m) per position that he’d be reinforcing. Signing the Inter Milan champion would upgrade the entirety of Liverpool’s options on the right-hand side.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 08: Achraf Hakimi of Internazionale during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and UC Sampdoria at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on May 08, 2021 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)
Hakimi is 28 days younger than Trent and the two would be the future of the club if played together.
It doesn’t seem as though it’s a deal that is hugely likely but imagine a midfield of Fabinho, Henderson and Trent in front of a defence of Robertson, van Dijk, Konate and Hakimi!
It would be one of the best-attacking sides in Europe when you add Mane, Firmino and Salah into the mix.
