With Liverpool set to spend big on new midfielders this summer, former Reds star Glen Johnson believes they should be prioritising a move for Chelsea’s Mason Mount over Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister.
A midfield revamp is expected at Anfield during the next transfer window, with a host of big names linked to the club.
Along with players like Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham, who now appears to be headed to Real Madrid, Mount and Mac Allister are among those rumored to be on Liverpool’s shopping list.
In a straight choice between the Chelsea and Brighton men, Johnson believes that the World Cup winner would struggle to get in the side, while the Englishman would be better equipped for Jurgen Klopp’s team.
Johnson remarked, “Even though it sounds absurd to say, £70 million for a good player isn’t that expensive, is it?” to Betfred.
“Alexis is certainly a good player but if you have to spend £70 million, then I’d rather that money was spent on Mason Mount.
“Mason would have fit the team better and would have started, and I don’t think Alexis can immediately command a starting spot in Liverpool’s team.
“He would certainly be a good squad player, but I’d have preferred if they signed Mason Mount.”
Mount’s contract with Chelsea runs until 2024 so if a new deal is not signed then the club may look to cash in on the England international in the summer.
The new permanent manager at Stamford Bridge identity and desire to retain the 24-year-old will, however, be major determinants.
Mauricio Pochettino is the favourite for the role and is reportedly a big fan of Mount, so a stay in west London would become much likelier if the Argentine landed the job.
In Another News,
Liverpool eye former Man Utd and Leicester goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler as Alisson Becker back-up
Liverpool are considering a summer mover for veteran former Manchester United and Leicester goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler to provide back-up for Alisson Becker.
The 34-year-old is currently in his second stint with 2. Bundesliga side Hannover 96, enjoying the best spell of his career with the club from 2010-16, during which time he won six caps for Germany.
Hardcore Red Devils fans may remember the German having a spell at Old Trafford as a youngster from 2005-10, but he never made a first team appearance. With Leicester City, he did spend one season in England in 2016–17, playing nine Premier League games.
German publication Bild report that Liverpool are interested in bringing him back to the Premier League for another stint this summer as back-up to Alisson.
Currently serving in that position is Caoimhin Kelleher, an Irish international who is eager to move on and pursue first team opportunities elsewhere. Tottenham, Brighton, and Brentford have all been mentioned as potential employers for the player.
Zieler is used to playing regularly in Germany but having turned 34 this year he is likely open to playing second fiddle at a huge club and getting a run out in cup competitions.
Jorg Schmadtke, who is expected to take up the role of sporting director at Anfield, knows Zieler well, having signed him for Hannover back in 2010 when he was sporting director of the German club.
Zieler is a World Cup winner with Germany, having been in the squad which won the 2014 tournament in Brazil.
