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FSG prepares to be late, signs £43m winger for Liverpool

Liverpool won the Premier League last season, which is quite obvious.

Over the past decade, the Reds have gone from bad things to greatness to incredible, which is presumption that defines their talents under Jurgen Klopp, who are expected to compete for the greatest honor every year.

But when the Arne Slot arrived last summer, things changed. This relatively unknown man has walked into the big old boots and is expected to drift like a float. He can’t replace Klopp: Anyway, doesn’t Liverpool want Xabi Alonso?

Liverpool manager Arne Slot celebrates after winning Premier League

Suspicion is one of the first conditions any manager has been going from both outside and inside in the Premier League, but Slot spins down and thrives in his virgin season as Anfield head coach, not only winning the top title but also winning the tournament.

He did this with minimal transfer investment, and it was one thing. But this has changed all this summer, and FSG is still keen to strengthen Slot’s roster before the market deadline in less than two weeks.

Why Liverpool Need the Left Wing

If Liverpool completes ISAK’s statement deal this summer, the impressive Hugo Ekitike will always be hard to start at the ninth place.

Both forwards are liquid people, and some would say Ekitic’s pace and vitality play a role in the wing. But this is not his natural berth.

Isak vs Ekitike on 2024-25

In this regard, Liverpool can do some twisted wrinkles of the championship team more deeply. It’s a new season and now Liverpool is like other seasons.

The slot machine must not ride its former successful ruler, but must propose a FSG plan to complete the frontlines of Merseyside, even as Federico Chiesa and the Reds live in harmony with the roles of the Italians in Anfield over the year.

Isak’s status and record in European matches require his signature as a priority, but Liverpool needs an identical left wing, with Cody Gakpo being the only advanced option to run naturally from the berth.

Liverpool's Cody Gakpo wins Premier League
Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo wins Premier League

Rio Ngumoha looks like a great talent, but it’s overburdened him this year and may object to his hopes of reaching the ceiling. If the stars remain consistent, sports director Richard Hughes has to sign another option.

Liverpool ready to bid for new winger

According to Anfield Watch, Liverpool is interested in signing Lyon winger Malick Fofana this summer, who had a series of exchanges with the French club when he sold them Tyler Morton in early August.

Malick Fofana of Lyon
Malick Fofana of Lyon

In fact, people felt that FSG’s desire to sign the left was separate from ISAK’s bid, and Liverpool was “prepared” to reach a late deal for Fofana and searched for him in the transfer window.

Fofana’s signature is worth about £43 million, and his signature will be achievable after sales of strikers like Diaz and Darwin Nunez, who will reach rival Gakpo for the starting position on the left side of the left.

Malick Fofana will bring to Liverpool

Gakpo proved on Friday night that he was more than just a shooter. Not that he needs to prove anything after he has been displaced for a year in Slot’s Liverpool system.

Cody Gakpo and Bournemouth
Cody Gakpo and Bournemouth

But the Dutchman has his critics, clamoring for new wingers like Real Madrid’s Rodrigo, his future is undecided and moving to Liverpool all summer.

However, Rodrygo will spend in the £86 million region, which he hopes to start every week. In a growing prospect like Fofana, Slot doesn’t find this problem on his desk, but is able to work with exciting talent who can operate in Flux with Gakpo.

Malick Fofana in Belgium and Giovanni Di Lorenzo in Italy
Malick Fofana in Belgium and Giovanni Di Lorenzo in Italy

Fofana, 20, enjoyed a tough game in French football, and he was only 18 years old. Last season, he joined Lyon from Genk. He scored 11 goals in all games and provided another 6 assists in 41 games, with only 23 of which started.

Fofana has been praised for the “explosive” style of analyst Ben Mattinson, with the top 11% of European offensive midfielders and wingers over the past year and has scored the top 3% of such figures provided by FBREF.

If the ball moves at least 10 yards toward the opponent’s starting point or is taken into the free throw area, the carry is considered to be progressive.

Looking at the data, we can see a talented player in Fofana hoping to blend his high-speed running with natural goals, in which way he shares some of Gakpo’s strengths, but may actually end up surpassing the Dutch star.

League Statistics 24/25 -Fofana vs Gakpo

Statistics (*Every match)

Fofana

gakpo

Competition (start)

29 (16)

35 (23)

Target

5

10

Assist

4

4

Shoot (on the target)*

1.1 (0.5)

1.6 (0.7)

Missed a big opportunity

4

6

Completed by

84%

84%

Created great opportunities

6

11

Key Pass*

0.9

1.1

Dribble*

0.8

0.9

Tackle*

1.1

0.8

The duel won*

2.9

3.1

Data via SOFASCORE

Although Gakpo is currently more clinical and effective, it can be pointed out that Fleet Foot Fofana has shown signs of prolific shooting, and he is equally clear and effective.

Given the depth needed to be at Liverpool this season and beyond, it should be hoped not only to defend his Premier League title but also to ask for further silverware, which adds players like Fofana, which is a great move.

He will arrive in Merseyside without the weight expected by some other transfer targets, but the Lyon winger can still add to the reds and may even nail the starting berth of the left in the coming years.

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