Liverpool Targeting £26m Jones Upgrade Who’s “a Bit Like Frank Lampard” – Opinion
FSG are known for their value-focused approach. Liverpool supporters often lament the seemingly uneventful summer transfer windows, only to later see the strategy praised in retrospect.
While some Premier League clubs adopt a broad approach to strengthening their squads, Liverpool tend to make calculated moves, quietly identifying targets and closing deals efficiently.
Despite this, rumors do surface, such as the potential transfer of Japanese winger Takefusa Kubo to Liverpool, according to reports from Japan.
The Liverpool Echo has dispelled these rumours, indicating no imminent transfer. Newly-appointed head coach Arne Slot is currently assessing the team to determine where reinforcements are needed.
With Mohamed Salah’s contract expiring at the end of the season, speculation about Kubo aligns with Liverpool’s strategic approach. However, Kubo is not the only player linked to Anfield. Reports suggest that Slot and his team are also interested in signing a new creative midfielder.
TEAMtalk reports that Liverpool would need to pay a record fee for Celtic’s Matt O’Riley, who has been heavily linked with a move after being named the club’s Player of the Year.
Previous sales from Celtic, such as Kieran Tierney to Arsenal and Jota to Al-Ittihad for £25 million each, suggest that Liverpool might need to offer around £26 million.
Additionally, Serie A club Atalanta are interested in the Denmark international, with Teun Koopmeiners expected to join Juventus, meaning Liverpool must act quickly to secure the signing.
Matt O’Riley’s Style of Play
O’Riley, a skilled midfielder with a keen sense for scoring and exceptional playmaking abilities, began his career at Fulham’s academy. Despite his promising start, he couldn’t secure a place in Fulham’s senior squad and eventually joined MK Dons in League One.
In League One, he quickly distinguished himself with standout performances, leading Celtic to sign him for £1.5 million after activating his release clause.
Since then, O’Riley has made 121 appearances, contributed to 61 goals, and won six trophies. His impressive performances have caught the eye of several Premier League and European clubs, highlighting his high-level talent from midfield.
Scout Jacek Kulig has praised him as a “magician,” noting his extraordinary ability with the ball. During the last season, O’Riley played a key role in Celtic’s league and cup double, scoring 19 goals and providing 18 assists across all competitions.
However, moving to the Premier League presents a new set of challenges and risks. While O’Riley has proven his abilities, adapting to the top division will be a significant test of his skills.
Defensively robust, he recorded averages of 2.3 tackles, 1.2 interceptions, and 1.5 clearances per Champions League match last season (according to WhoScored) as Celtic exited the competition, finishing fourth. Despite being pushed into a more defensive role, O’Riley excelled, demonstrating a diverse set of defensive capabilities. He also contributed three assists.
Liverpool’s interest in him is well-founded. Pundit David Healy has even compared him to Frank Lampard, saying “a bit like Frank Lampard”, the iconic Chelsea star who scored 211 goals and provided 147 assists throughout his career, highlighting his versatility and attacking prowess.
This high level of midfield performance would be a valuable enhancement for a Liverpool team currently undergoing changes, making it essential for them to pursue the talented Celtic player.
Although Liverpool appear to have a strong midfield lineup, there is room for an additional versatile midfielder. With Thiago Alcantara having retired, and despite his limited involvement last season due to injuries, securing a long-term replacement would be beneficial.
Curtis Jones, though gifted and homegrown, has yet to consistently prove himself as a reliable starter. His promising start to the 2023/24 season was marred by injury, but Liverpool must advance under Slot, and O’Riley could potentially offer a significant improvement.
| League Stats 23/24: Matt O’Riley vs Curtis Jones | ||
|---|---|---|
| Statistics | Matt O’Riley | Curtis Jones |
| Matches | 37 | 23 |
| Goals | 18 | 1 |
| Assists | 13 | 1 |
| Pass completion | 83% | 91% |
| Key passes per game | 2.5 | 0.5 |
| Dribbles per game | 1.0 | 0.7 |
| Tackles per game | 1.7 | 1.2 |
| Duels won per game | 4.6 | 2.7 |
| Stats Source: Sofascore | ||
O’Riley is currently outperforming Jones in terms of prolificness, but the Liverpool player has his own strengths. Over the past year, Jones ranks among the top 6% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues for pass completion, the top 13% for progressive carries, and the top 7% for successful take-ons per 90 minutes, according to FBref.
These impressive statistics highlight Jones’s progressive style and precise passing, making him a crucial component in Liverpool’s midfield. However, O’Riley, who can play in the No. 8 position, could potentially surpass Jones if integrated into Slot’s system.
The rapid ascent of the Denmark international in Scotland has been remarkable. O’Riley might continue to excel and fit well into Liverpool’s new system. Celtic’s dominance in Scotland is largely attributed to O’Riley’s contributions, which suggest he has the potential to be exceptionally valuable.
Acquiring O’Riley would be a savvy move for Liverpool. Known for valuing a good deal, FSG might find O’Riley to be a highly beneficial addition.
In other Liverpool news, Huge Boost for Arne Slot as Player Decides Future Amid Transfer Links
