Liverpool Transfer News: Late Andriy Yarmolenko Swoop Reported, Fresh Rumours

Liverpool could yet make a late foray into the transfer window, with reports linking the Reds with a move for Dynamo Kiev winger Andriy Yarmolenko.

According to Tuttomercatoweb (h/t George Bellshaw of Metro), Liverpool are ready to stump up £14.5 million to trigger the player’s release clause and push a move through before Tuesday’s deadline. Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund and the Reds’ local rivals Everton have also been linked with a move for the 25-year-old.

Here is a look at the kind of quality he would bring to Merseyside:

With Lazar Markovic joining Fenerbahce on loan, there is definitely a spot open in attacking areas for the Reds. Yarmolenko, with his vibrant wing-play, bewitching left foot and eye for goal would definitely add something different to Liverpool’s attacking options too.

EMMANUEL DUNAND/Getty Images

As we can see here courtesy of WhoScored.com, the Kiev man has shown that he can produce the goods on the big stage:

But according to Sport Witness, “This would be a very difficult transfer for Liverpool to complete.” That’s because Yarmolenko is synonymous with the Ukrainian side, adored by all associated with the club and the club’s president Igor Surkis is only willing to the winger leave to join a “top club.”

The Reds will certainly feel as though they belong in that kind of bracket, and playing alongside the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino, Yarmolenko would surely flourish in the iconic all-red jersey. But running the rule over the Liverpool squad, there are probably areas in which the money could be better spent than at the sharp end of the pitch.

Clint Hughes/Associated Press

As noted by Bleacher Report’s Karl Matchett in the wake of Liverpool’s shock 3-0 loss at home to West Ham United last time out, the defensive structure of the team should be a major concern for manager Brendan Rodgers:

Yarmolenko is a major talent and the kind of player who would create space for the likes of Coutinho, Firmino and Christian Benteke to flourish. But at the moment, a deal seems as though it’d be very complicated. If there is money to be spent in the final embers of the window, the Reds should splash it on positions in much more pertinent need of replenishment.

In defence and at the base of the midfield should be the big worries for Rodgers. There have been some positives signs from this team in the opening weeks of the campaign, but the West Ham result should serve as a warning that there are still holes to exploit in this Liverpool side.

It’ll be intriguing to see if they’re addressed before Tuesday’s cutoff.