Baleba 2.0: Liverpool send scouts on fresh mission to sign 16 y/o sensation

da aposte e ganhe: As Arne Slot’s current side continue to thrive, FSG have reportedly turned their focus towards the future and sent Liverpool scouts to watch the U17 Africa Cup of Nations, where one midfield star has caught their eye.

Liverpool need reinforcments despite incredible league campaign

da apostebet: As impressive as Liverpool’s midfield has been this season, it could be argued that the likes of Ryan Gravenberch have slowed down in recent weeks as the Reds’ congested fixtures schedule across the campaign catches up to him. And that should come as little shock for Slot, who has started the Dutchman in every single one of his side’s 32 Premier League games.

At this stage of the season, such little rotation often catches up to sides and Liverpool are no different. The champions-elect were relatively poor against West Ham United and were left relying on Virgil van Dijk’s late winner to take a key step towards title glory just a week after suffering shock defeat against Fulham.

Now as many as 13 points clear of Arsenal, Liverpool got away with slipping up against Fulham but it was a warning sign they very nearly ignored against West Ham. As good as they’ve been and as deserving as they have been on their way towards the title, Slot’s side are far from perfect and finding a backup for Gravenberch should be among their priorities this summer.

Just who that might be remains to be seen, however, with reports focused on the Reds’ attacking department and names such as Alexander Isak as the summer transfer window approaches.

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If that is to be their focus, then Slot’s solution for what could be a pending Gravenberch problem may eventually come through the arrival of a young player who’s been compared to Carlos Baleba.

Liverpool plotting Mohamed Sako move

According to The Boot Room, FSG have now sent Liverpool scouts on a fresh mission to watch Mohamed Sako at the U16 Africa Cup of Nations in Morroco. The Burkina Faso midfielder has so far impressed too and is among those on the radar of the Reds alongside Chelsea, Arsenal and Newcastle United at a tournament full of talent.

Compared to Brighton & Hove Albion star Baleba, it’s fair to say that Liverpool would be landing quite the player if Sako matches the growth of the Seagulls midfielder.

Premier League stats 24/25 (via FBref)

Carlos Baleba

Ryan Gravenberch

Starts

25

32

Progressive Passes

108

153

Ball Recoveries

159

171

Tackles Won

35

30

If Liverpool focus their finances on their frontline and left-back problem this summer, then welcoming Sako as one for the future rather than splashing out on a backup for Gravenberch could be the way forward.

There’s certainly a route into the first-team too. Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott and Jarell Quansah have all played roles under both Jurgen Klopp and Slot and Sako could yet follow suit if those at Anfield make their move.