Liverpool ‘red flag’ over ‘devastating’ £22m long-term Klopp target

Liverpool should snub a move for Rennes winger Jeremy Doku due to the player’s poor injury record, with the January transfer window now just weeks away, according to journalist Robin Bairner.

The Reds spent over £90 million following the end of last season but could soon reinvest in the first-team squad at the turn of the year.

What is the latest on Doku?

The 20-year-old made the move to Rennes in the summer of 2020 for £22 million from Anderlecht but could be on his travels again soon.

According to reports in Italy, Liverpool hold a long-term interest in Doku and want to add his speed and trickery to their front line.

However, Arsenal and Chelsea are both lining up transfers of their own for the 10-cap Belgium international in the coming months.

But Doku has struggled badly with injuries in recent years, missing four games already this term to add to the 29 he was absent for in 2021-22 due to recurring hamstring and knee problems.

Let’s start easy: what number does Van Dijk wear for Liverpool?

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What has Bairner said on the chase?

Bairner believes Liverpool should steer clear of a move for Doku due to his injury record in recent years.

The journalist adds the player has a history of frequent knocks and the Reds would be best served looking elsewhere for new recruits.

Bairner told GIVEMESPORT: “The trouble with Jeremy Doku isn’t necessarily his talent. We’ve seen, particularly in the European Championships, just how good a winger he can be. He was devastating for Belgium against Italy.

“But his issue has just consistently been, since he moved to Rennes, staying fit. Again, he’s just been injured, he’s just coming back from injury now. It seems to be a repeating cycle with him. He’ll come back for two or three games then find himself injured for two or three months, and he doesn’t really get any consistency in his performances.

“I think that has to be a red flag for a team like Liverpool who are generally so strong in the transfer market, who pick up players who have got a strong mentality, who don’t get injured and can fit into their team straightaway. Of course, this season, Liverpool have been beset by injury problems. You’re certainly not going to want to pick up an injury-prone winger at this stage of the season.”

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Do Liverpool need reinforcements?

As things stand, there is no doubt that Jurgen Klopp could do with added numbers in attack.

The German is currently without the services of Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz, Arthur and Naby Keita, stretching the options at Anfield incredibly thin.

But, when everyone is fit, the depth at Klopp’s disposal is impressive. While the likes of Jota and Diaz may be out now, there is a chance that bringing in someone like Doku to solve that problem could simply cause issues further down the line.

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