Liverpool’s interest in Guéla Doué has taken an intriguing turn.
According to a report from @roberts_katz of Anfield Index, Doué is apparently refusing to train because he wants a move specifically to Liverpool.
It is a striking claim, although there has been no clear independent confirmation of the reported training boycott at this stage.
If accurate, however, it would suggest the 23-year-old defender is determined to make a move to Anfield.
Why are Liverpool interested in Doué?
Doué is an intriguing option for Liverpool because of his versatility.
The 23-year-old can operate at right-back and centre-back, giving Andoni Iraola another player capable of filling multiple defensive roles.
That could be extremely valuable for Liverpool.
The Reds are looking to build a squad capable of competing on several fronts, and having players who can cover different positions is particularly important over a long season.
Doué’s athleticism and ability to play in different defensive roles could therefore make him an attractive addition.
Could he be another piece of Iraola’s defence?
Liverpool’s defensive situation has been one of the biggest talking points of the summer.
Virgil van Dijk remains the leader, while Ronald Araújo has arrived on loan and Liverpool have also added young centre-backs Jérémy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni.
But there are still questions surrounding depth and injuries.
That is why a player like Doué could make sense.
He wouldn’t necessarily need to be an automatic starter.
Instead, he could provide Iraola with another reliable option who can step in at centre-back or right-back when required.
The reported desire to join Liverpool is interesting
If the report that Doué specifically wants Liverpool is accurate, that would obviously strengthen the Reds’ position.
Players wanting a particular destination can sometimes make negotiations easier, particularly if they are prepared to push for the move.
But Liverpool still need to agree a deal with the player’s club.
And the reported claim that Doué is refusing to train is something that should be treated cautiously until more reliable sources confirm it.
There is a big difference between a player being keen on a transfer and actually refusing to train.
Liverpool need to decide whether to make their move
The interesting question now is whether Liverpool see Doué as a serious target or simply one of several defensive options they are monitoring.
With the season approaching, Iraola needs depth.
Liverpool are going to face a huge number of matches, and injuries are inevitable.
Having a versatile defender who can cover two positions could therefore prove extremely useful.
And if Doué genuinely wants to play for Liverpool, that could make this a situation worth watching closely.
Could Doué be heading to Anfield?
For now, we should wait for further confirmation before taking the reported training boycott as fact.
But the claim that Doué wants Liverpool specifically is certainly interesting.
Liverpool need defensive depth.
Doué can play more than one position.
He’s still only 23.
And, according to this latest report, he apparently wants the move himself.
If that is genuinely the case, Liverpool may have a player who is very keen to join the new Iraola era.
For now, though, the Reds need to decide whether Guéla Doué is the next defender they want through the door.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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I thought it was gonna be the other Doue! Now he is worth what PSG are trying to rob us for Barcola for.
If only you had mentioned his current club somewhere in your article…
Apologies, Strasbourg