Although he’s not the same type of forward that Liverpool have been linked with this summer so far, Adama Traore presents a very interesting option to Jurgen Klopp.
So far, Liverpool have been linked with the likes of Donyell Malen, Dusan Vlahovic, Patson Daka and, of course, Jadon Sancho.
They all present unique options to Klopp and would allow him to set his team up in certain ways and Adama Traore is the most unique of them all but he’s not up to the high standards expected of Liverpool forwards.
Between them, Mane, Firmino and Salah scored a combined 41 Premier League goals this season and it was arguably the worst campaign they’ve had as an attacking trio while Traore scored just twice in 37 Premier League games.
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – MAY 09: Adama Traore of Wolverhampton Wanderers shoots during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brighton & Hove Albion at Molineux on May 09, 2021 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Jack Thomas – WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images)
That’s not good enough. Yet, the Mirror reported last year that Klopp is “desperate” to work with Traore. Now, 90Min says that Chelsea and Liverpool are both in the mix to sign him, with the Reds signing Diogo Jota from Wolves last summer.
Thye go on to say Wolves will let him leave if his £30million valuation is met.
Speaking on the London is Blue podcast, Matt Law claimed that Chelsea definitely have an interest in the Spaniard and Liverpool are also interested in the forward.
According to Goal, Traore has a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ with Wolves that means he can join a big club if one comes knocking and the West Midlands club won’t stand in his way.
Personally, I don’t think Liverpool should go anywhere near Traore as he simply isn’t good enough to play up front for the Reds.
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – MARCH 15: Adama Traore of Wolverhampton Wanderers runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Ozan Kabak and Georginio Wijnaldum of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Liverpool at Molineux on March 15, 2021 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo bu Paul Ellis – Pool/Getty Images)
For all his pace and power, he simply doesn’t contribute enough. 3 goals and 3 assists in 42 games in all competitions is downright pathetic for a player who can breeze past England’s best defenders with ease.
Traore is also most effective on the counter-attack and wouldn’t be as efficient in a team that controls possession and looks to probe opposition sides as opposed to blowing them away in transition.
While Mohamed Salah could do with some cover and although competition would likely to drive him to even greater heights, what is most needed is a centre-forward or at least a player that can play centrally as well as on the wing.
It’s for this reason that someone like Patson Daka makes the most sense.
Jurgen Klopp has a very important summer ahead of him and will need to make the right signings to get his side back into the Premier League title race next season following their dramatic finish in third place.
