Liverpool appear to be keeping a close eye on the left-back market, and another name has emerged as a potential target for Andoni Iraola.
According to Senegalese journalist Khadim Diakhaté, Liverpool have made contact with the representatives of Brentford defender El Hadji Malick Diouf as they explore the possibility of bringing the Senegal international to Anfield.
Chelsea are also reportedly interested, with both clubs said to have approached the player’s representatives ahead of a possible move next summer.
There is no agreement in place, and Liverpool have not submitted a confirmed bid, but it is certainly a transfer rumour worth watching.
Who is El Hadji Malick Diouf?
Diouf is a 21-year-old Senegal international who operates at left-back and can also provide attacking quality further forward.
He joined Brentford from West Ham last summer after previously impressing at Slavia Prague. His move to the Bees was reported to be worth around £35 million plus add-ons.
He has quickly attracted attention since arriving at Brentford, with his energy, pace and ability to contribute going forward making him an interesting prospect.
For a modern full-back, those attacking qualities are particularly important. Liverpool need players who can provide width, support the wingers and deliver quality into the penalty area, while still being capable of doing their defensive work.
Diouf certainly appears to have the profile to interest Liverpool’s recruitment team.
Liverpool’s left-back situation needs attention
I’ve made my feelings clear about Liverpool’s left-back position.
Milos Kerkez has shown flashes of quality, but I still want to see more consistency from him. He deserves time to develop, particularly after the pressure of arriving at Anfield, but Liverpool cannot afford to ignore the position if they believe an upgrade or additional competition is required.
Konstantinos Tsimikas also leaves questions about whether Liverpool have enough quality and depth in that area.
I would like to see the club bring in another left-back who can genuinely challenge for a starting place rather than simply provide cover.
Diouf could offer something different, particularly with his attacking energy and potential to develop further.
Brentford won’t want to lose him so soon
One complication is that Diouf has only recently joined Brentford.
The Bees invested heavily to bring him to the club, and they will have little reason to make a quick decision about selling him unless an attractive offer arrives.
Liverpool could also face competition from Chelsea, who are reportedly monitoring the Senegalese defender.
The latest reports point towards a possible move next summer rather than an immediate January transfer. That gives Liverpool time to assess his progress and decide whether he is the right player for Iraola’s plans.
Contacting an agent is an indication of interest, not confirmation that a transfer is close.
Could Diouf be the answer at left-back?
I would certainly be interested in seeing Liverpool pursue this one.
The club need to make sure they have enough quality in both full-back positions, and I don’t believe they should be afraid to strengthen if they feel the current options are not quite good enough.
Diouf is young, has Premier League experience and appears to have plenty of room to improve. Those are attractive qualities for a club planning beyond the immediate transfer window.
However, Liverpool must do their homework. Brentford paid a substantial fee for him, and any potential deal would need to make financial sense.
For me, the important thing is that Liverpool recognise the need to strengthen the left side of their defence. If Diouf is someone Iraola and the recruitment team believe can improve the squad, then he is certainly worth considering.
Liverpool have reportedly made their move by contacting his representatives. Now we wait to see whether that interest develops into something more serious.
Jamie – (The Kopite View)
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