Liverpool are unlikely to take big steps this summer – but ties to several big players haven’t disappeared.
One such name that has been mentioned in recent months is the winger of the wolves, Adama Traore, the Spaniard, who has scored four goals and nine assists for his team in the Premier League this season so far.
Traore’s price, however, is said to be at least £ 70m – an extortionate figure designed to deter potential applicants.
However, Liverpool could face the next Traore on Sunday afternoon.
Allan Saint-Maximin, the 23-year-old winger, clearly has a lot of talent and has shown consistently in his first season in English football after coming to Newcastle from Nice for £ 16m last summer.
The Frenchman’s three goals and four assists don’t tell the whole story of his season so far, and his true potential is much more impressive.
In the Anfield Analysis podcast, Josh Williams said, “Newcastle are a team that really works to counterattack and Saint-Maximin is a player that the numbers don’t really capture.”
“You could sit in a low block for 90 minutes and the only time you get out he could be in the break.
“Because of what he can do during the break, he can turn a useless attack into something really dangerous by hitting some players.”
David Hughes added: “I really like him – he is a bit raw and the last ball is not always there, but he is up there with a traore at Wolves.
“He doesn’t have the physical strength, but I’m really evaluating him. He’s only 23 and I can see that he’ll take a bigger step in a year or two.”
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Saint-Maximin has also impressed Newcastle United fans. ÖIn the “Behind Enemy Lines” podcast, Sam Mulliner from Newcastle Fan TV explained that the unpredictability and creativity of the winger made him the favorite of the magpies.
Mulliner said: “Saint-Maximin is the type of player Newcastle fans and even neutrals love in a black and white shirt.
“He is charismatic, puzzling, and if he could find a consistent end product for his game, you would have a serious player in your hands.
“He has a lot of potential. The ball can just stick to his feet, he can dribble forever and it is brilliant to look at.
“Sometimes this end product is missing and comparisons are made between him and Adama Traore at Wolves last season when he was able to walk with the ball but had no end product.
“It points to some similarities to ASM, but it is Newcastle’s greatest threat and it’s pretty much their only point of sale because it’s so fast.
“If he’s fit and can rarely play on Sunday, Liverpool will have to keep an eye on that player.”
Even after the game, Saint-Maximin could be a man Liverpool continues to watch.
The Reds have already been looking for an underestimated commitment in the form of Gini Wijnaldum in Newcastle and want to buy players right in front of them who show their full potential.
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