Italian journalist Rudy Galetti reports that Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp now wants to sign ‘the best player in La Liga’ in Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino.
Klopp has already moved to bring in Cody Gakpo from PSV this month as Liverpool strengthened their attacking options.
But the Reds will be keen to address other areas of the pitch before the January transfer window closes and the midfield has been a cause for concern this season.
Fabinho has been way below his usual standards, while Thiago and Jordan Henderson have both picked up injuries at different points of the campaign.
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Liveprool’s midfield is certainly ageing and Klopp will need some fresh faces as he aims to turn their season around.
Of course, Liverpool have been heavily linked with a move for Jude Bellingham for the summer. But they are likely to need additions in the middle of the park now if they are to secure their place in the Champions League once again.
Now, the Reds are being linked with a move for former Newcastle United midfielder Merino.
Liverpool want to sign Merino
Rudy Galetti claims Liverpool are weighing up a number of midfield options this month, including Moises Caicedo and Sofyan Amrabat.
But they also hold an interest in Merino, who has been dubbed the best player in Spain by his current manager Imanol Alguacil.
“I said it before and I’ll say it again in case it’s not clear,” he told the Bangkok Post back in 2021.
“Mikel Merino is the best player in La Liga.”
The Sociedad boss labelled the 26-year-old as the best player in the league after his side overcame Granada at the beginning of last season, which saw them move up to third in La Liga.
Merino has been in brilliant form once again this season and has provided seven assists from centre-midfield, as well as getting on the scoresheet once.
Of course, the Spaniard spent a season on loan at St James’ Park and played under former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez. While he struggled for game time in the North East, Benitez labelled him a ‘really good’ player.
While Merino’s previous spell in England didn’t quite work out, he has developed into a brilliant footballer in Spain. He could certainly provide Liverpool with more creativity in the middle of the park.
But it all depends on whether Klopp is prepared to wait until the summer to land his top targets.
