Liverpool Transfer News: Max Meyer Buzz, Latest on Moussa Sissoko Rumours

Schalke 04’s sporting director, Christian Heidel, has rubbished speculation linking Max Meyer with a move to Liverpool.

The Germany international has long been tipped for a bright future in the game and has impressed during his time in the Bundesliga. His promise has triggered plenty of buzz about his future, although Heidel told RevierSport (h/t the Daily Telegraph) that the 20-year-old will not be moving to Anfield.

"Meyer is a really good player but a move to Liverpool is nonsense," he said. "I’ve known Mr [Jurgen] Klopp for a while now and I have spoken with him recently. I think he would have mentioned the player by name if interest had been there. Apart from this, Max is not on our sales list."

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As noted in the piece, it was suggested the Reds were set to launch an ambitious £28.1 million offer for Meyer by reports in Germany. Here is why he could be deemed to be worth that kind of outlay:

Meyer has operated off the centre-forward and on either flank during his time with Schalke and is exactly the kind of footballer produced by the German system in recent years. Technically he’s extremely accomplished, and on the ball, he’s very intelligent, traits that are coveted in the modern game.

However, the Reds already possess players of a similar mould. As noted by WhoScored.com, in capturing Georginio Wijnaldum, Liverpool have already signed an adaptable and attacking midfielder this summer:

Liverpool already have Philippe Coutinho, Adam Lallana, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane vying for similar spots in the team as well, meaning any pursuit of Meyer would have to be considered rapacious.

Staying at Schalke would be best for the German’s development, too. The youngster is one of many rising stars at Veltins-Arena, although with reports linking Leroy Sane with a move to Manchester City, per Ed Aarons of the Guardian, there will be more responsibility on Meyer next term.

Liverpool Reportedly Approach Moussa Sissoko

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Le10 Sport (h/t Charlie Philippe of the Daily Express) have reported that Liverpool have made direct contact with Newcastle United midfielder Moussa Sissoko about a summer transfer.

After landing his former team-mate Wijnaldum, it’s stated the Reds are keen to land another Magpies star in the France international, who is said to be valued at a whopping £35 million by his current club. 

Sissoko starred for France this summer at the UEFA European Championship, using his physicality and energy to great effect on the right flank. As we can see here, the Newcastle man is a player who loves to commit opposition defenders, too:

For Reds boss Jurgen Klopp, this is a target that would make some sense. While there have been big doubts over the consistency the 26-year-old has shown since his move to the Premier League, Sissoko has all the attributes to fit into a setup that relies on swift attacking, high pressing and sharp transitions.

Even so, as aforementioned, Liverpool are very well-stocked when it comes to attacking midfielders. Sissoko is capable of playing in a deeper midfield position, but we’ve seen the best from him when given licence to shuttle forward into the final third.

Bleacher Report’s Jack Lusby is also unsure about the price tag Newcastle have placed on the player:

If Liverpool got the Sissoko who was so difficult to deal with at the Euros, then there would be fewer doubts about potentially parting with so much to get him in. But in a Magpies side that was relegated in 2015-16, he was often on the periphery of the game and lacked the appetite required for that type of battle.

With those concerns considered, the options Liverpool already have in this area of the field and the inflated valuation, it’d be a massive surprise to see this one come off.