Why Thomas Partey would be a great addition for Liverpool
According to a report from Liverpool Echo, Premier League leaders Liverpool are interested in signing Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey in the summer transfer window.
Partey, 26, came through the youth ranks at Atletico Madrid and after a couple of loan spells at Mallorca and Almeria, became a first-team member at Los Rojiblancos in 2015. In the ongoing season, the midfielder has featured 35 times in all competitions, scoring 3 goals and setting up one more.
The 26-year-old was a part of the team that ousted Liverpool from the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 earlier this season, following which the Reds have taken an interest in acquiring his services (h/t Liverpool Echo).
Liverpool have built strongly upon their Champions League triumph last season and look set for the first-ever Premier League title win this season.
The Reds have played some breathtaking football going forward, while they have been resolute and tough to break down at the back, making it hard for teams to figure out a way to get past them.
But their exits in the FA Cup and the Champions League showed that there are some chinks in the armour that Jurgen Klopp should address in the coming summer if Liverpool are to sustain their dominance.
Midfield is one area which Klopp should definitely look to shore up. The Reds have a stockpile of options in the middle of the park already, with captain Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Gini Wijnaldum, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita, Adam Lallana and James Milner in the ranks.
Of these options, it must be noted that Adam Lallana will be out of contract at the end of the season and is linked with an exit, while Gini Wijnaldum’s deal is up a year later. Moreover, with James Milner not getting any younger and Naby Keita still not convincing enough, it would make sense for Liverpool to strengthen their midfield department heading into next season.
Fabinho has also looked a bit rusty since returning from injury and having another quality defensive midfielder in the squad to keep the Brazilian on his toes would only benefit the club. And Partey, in that regard, would be a viable option for Liverpool. The 26-year-old can play as an out-and-out No.6 or as a box-to-box midfielder.
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The Ghanaian, who has a £43m release clause is yet to enter his peak footballing years and has already accumulated plenty of experience at the top level. Till date, Partey has racked up 174 appearances, scoring 15 goals and assisting 12.
Signing him would help Liverpool add more quality and depth to the squad, and also increase competition, which would result in players pushing themselves harder and performing better.
Verdict
For any top team to sustain their success over multiple seasons, improving the overall depth and quality of the squad is very crucial. Signing Partey next summer would achieve just that for Liverpool.
The Ghanaian has proven his pedigree at the top level during his time at Atletico Madrid and would boost the midfield options at Klopp’s disposal, especially with Lallana’s potential exit and Milner’s advancing age.
