18 Jan 2016

Klopp tells FSG: Liverpool must sign 'exceptional' €30m attacker who's 'like Reus' ASAP

In November 2014, The Agent of Anderlecht midfielder Dennis Praet claimed that Liverpool is a possible transfer destination for his client, and new reports this weekend suggest that Jurgen Klopp is desperate to sign the Belgian attacker.

On Saturday, Italian newspaper Tuttosport claimed:

* Klopp is pressing FSG sign Praet during the January transfer window, and not in the summer.

* Liverpool have the money for the deal, and 'will not hesitate' to sign Praet, but the stumbling block appears to be the player's wish to stay until the summer.

Anderlecht reportedly want €30m for Praet, but according to The Mirror:

"Liverpool would have no issue meeting that [€30m] valuation".

Praet is definitely available. In December, General Manager, Herman Van Holsbeeck told reporters:

"We have to sell as he [Praet] has only one year on his contract. We have to work towards a transfer, otherwise he is in a stronger position than we are."

Some info about Praet:

* Attacking midfielder, who can also play central-mid, and right/left-wing. Under contract at Anderlecht until June 2017.

* Anderlecht: 61 goals/assists in 156 in 158 games (Goal/assist every 191 mins).

* Jul 2012: Named one of the world's top 50 prospects by 'World Soccer' magazine.

* Oct 2012: LFC scouts watched Praet during a league game.

* Nov 2014: Former Anderlecht coach Aad De Mos raved: "Praet is an exceptional talent; he's the number 10 every club is looking for. He is like [Marco] Reus. He can be his successor."

€30m for yet another number-10? You're having a laugh. For the right price (i.e. £10m-£15m), he may be worth a punt, but as history shows, it's too much of a gamble to spend £20m+ on a possible future star who may or may not come good (in the Prem) at some undetermined point in the future.

Additionally, with the greatest respect, Belgium is not one of Europe's stronger leagues, and from watching Praet play, he'll need to build up his body strength quite a bit to cut in the Premier League.

Also, why spend €30m on Praet, when 26-year old Andriy Yarmolenko is available for £14.5m? It's insanity.



Author: Jaimie K


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