Liverpool Reportedly Make Gary Medel Inquiry

Earlier today, the rumour mongers in Italy claimed that Inter Milan could be looking to bring in Lucas Leiva as a veteran, calming presence in midfield. Now there’s an added twist, a suggestion that Liverpool have approached Inter about bringing one of their midfielders to Anfield.

Chilean enforcer Gary Medel has been linked with Liverpool before this summer, though never more than tenuously, but according to Corriere della Sera, the Reds have now made a formal approach for the veteran defensive midfielder who, like Lucas, can fill multiple roles.

If true, it could set up a rather bizarre swapping of 29-year-old midfielders who can also do a job in defence, those players who are looking ahead to a 2016-17 season where their minutes could be limited where they are and see perhaps see greener pastures elsewhere.

Medel, though, wouldn’t be arriving as a starter. If his arrival was tied to Lucas’ departure, he would arrive as Lucas’ replacement, a backup to Emre Can, and likely bump Kevin Stewart back down the depth chart. He would also provide cover in defence.

The one difference—and one that makes Medel an interesting rumour for Liverpool fans—is that he has experience filling in not just in central defence but at fullback. For Chile in particular, Medel has a history of lining up at right back, and that makes him an intriguing potential target.

Whether it’s anything other than rumour mongers in Italy reviving an old and tenuous link is an entirely different mater, of course. With that in mind, Medel to Liverpool is a transfer rumour that Reds fans should treat with extreme skepticism for the time being at least.

Yet if Liverpool aren’t going to sign a fullback this summer, Medel as an option on the right would at least bring some veteran cover to the position—while also adding cover at defensive midfielder and centre half—and so many will be hoping there’s truth to the rumours.