Liverpool Transfer News: Latest on Bobby Adekanye and Christian Benteke Rumours
Liverpool are set to complete the signing of teenage sensation Bobby Adekanye from Barcelona on a free transfer, while Reds legend Robbie Fowler has given his backing to the club’s reported pursuit of Aston Villa’s Christian Benteke.
Addressing the news of the imminent acquisition first, the 16-year-old posted the following snap on his Instagram:
As noted by ESPN FC, the Reds have been in negotiation with the youngster for a while about a deal. The former Ajax academy star signed up with the La Masia academy in 2011, but he was banned from playing last season after it was found that the club had broken transfer regulations.
Subsequently he was loaned out to PSV Eindhoven, but now it seems the youngster has decided to further his career at Liverpool’s Kirkby academy. Here’s a look at what the Reds can expect from their latest acquisition:
Left-footed, skilful and possessing a thunderous strike, it’s no surprise the Adekanye has been compared in style to Arjen Robben, per the aforementioned piece. But it’s clear he still has plenty of developing to do before he gets anywhere near the Reds first team.
For Liverpool supporters, it’s encouraging to see the club on the lookout for these kinds of gems. Although young players like this can often fall short under the weight of expectation, it’s clear Adekanye is a hugely talented prospect and someone to keep an eye out for in the academy next season.
With Adekanye looking likely to become Liverpool’s seventh summer signing, thoughts will quickly turn to a potential eighth. At this juncture it could well be Benteke, with strong links to the player still prevalent; as noted here by James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo, former Reds forward Fowler thinks he’d be a fantastic addition:
"It’s important we get a proven goalscorer and of the names being bandied about I’d go for Benteke. I think he’s excellent.
I know there are other top strikers out there and probably more prolific scorers. But in terms of all-round play - strength, speed, physicality, finishing - I think Benteke could be the main man for Liverpool.
"
There are few who know more about scoring goals in the iconic all red jersey than a man still affectionately known as “God” up at Anfield. But his view on Benteke isn’t an opinion that’s shared by those of a Red persuasion.
Of course, Benteke is a wonderful forward and his indomitable aerial influence would give the Reds a completely different edge. That’s evident in the statistics when it comes to his headed goals, as we can see here courtesy of WhoScored.com:
But Liverpool are a team that look to play intricately. Last season the Reds’ major attacking threats came courtesy of the slight but scintillating efforts of Raheem Sterling and Philippe Coutinho; while Benteke’s hold up play could be a fine foil for these polished talents, a striker who stretches the play in behind would probably be a better fit.
Bleacher Report’s Andy Brassell took a look at some other forwards that have been linked with a move to Anfield this summer:
Benteke, in the right setup, is one of the most fearsome forwards in the Premier League. But Rodgers doesn’t have the best record when it comes to working with target men—selling Andy Carroll before struggling to get a tune out of both Rickie Lambert and Mario Balotelli last season—and the Belgian is a player whose natural instincts would only restrict the space available to Coutinho et al.
Nonetheless, football journalist Richard Buxton thinks Benteke is being judged harshly:
If Rodgers could bring Benteke in and find a way for him to flourish then he could be the signing the Reds need to push back towards those top-four spots. But that is likely to mean a change in style and for a manager as principled as the Northern Irishman, it’s difficult to foresee.
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