Liverpool appear set to miss out on another midfield target after Mamadou Sangare edged closer to a move to Brentford.
The Lens defensive midfielder, who was previously revealed as one of Liverpool’s alternatives to Adam Wharton, is now reportedly on the verge of joining the Bees in a deal worth €48 million (£41.1 million).
For some Liverpool supporters, it is another case of watching an admired target head elsewhere.
A Midfielder Liverpool Had Been Watching
Back in May, Sangare emerged as one of the midfielders Liverpool were monitoring as they assessed options for the No. 6 role.
A 24-year-old Mali international, he has built a reputation as a modern defensive midfielder capable of offering much more than simply breaking up play.
His strengths include:
- Ball-winning ability
- Progressive passing
- Carrying the ball through midfield
- Chance creation
- Powerful shooting from distance
It is easy to understand why he appealed to Liverpool’s recruitment team.
Why Liverpool Didn’t Move
The biggest reason Liverpool may have held back is the current state of their midfield.
Unlike other areas of the squad, there have been no departures from the central midfield group.
Despite continued interest from Inter Milan in Curtis Jones, Liverpool are holding firm on their reported £35 million valuation, while Andoni Iraola has publicly expressed his desire to keep the academy graduate.
Meanwhile, Wataru Endo remains part of the squad despite his long-term foot injury, and the club are also well stocked with:
- Ryan Gravenberch
- Alexis Mac Allister
- Dominik Szoboszlai
- Stefan Bajcetic
- Trey Nyoni
- James McConnell
With that level of depth, Liverpool may have decided other positions require greater attention.
Brentford Move Quickly
While Liverpool hesitated, Brentford acted decisively.
According to reports from L’Équipe and Foot Mercato, an agreement is now in place for Sangare to move to west London.
The transfer comes as Brentford prepare for life after Jordan Henderson, who is reportedly heading to Chelsea.
For Brentford, Sangare represents a major investment and could become one of the club’s key midfielders for years to come.
Does Liverpool Need a Specialist No. 6?
The move is still likely to spark debate among Liverpool supporters.
Many fans have argued that the squad would benefit from another specialist holding midfielder, particularly one with Sangare’s physicality and ability to dictate play from deep.
Others will point out that unless someone leaves, Liverpool’s midfield is already crowded.
Recruitment is often about timing as much as talent.
Focus Shifts Elsewhere
Missing out on Sangare should not necessarily be viewed as a failure.
Liverpool’s priorities appear to lie elsewhere, particularly in attack and central defence.
If Jones remains at the club and Endo returns to fitness, there may simply not have been room for another senior midfielder.
Still, Sangare is undoubtedly a player many supporters would have liked to see wearing a Liverpool shirt.
Instead, it looks as though he will be lining up against the Reds in the Premier League next season.
Sources: L’Équipe, Foot Mercato
Jamie (The Kopite View)
Leave a Reply