Rumor Mongering: Thomas Lemar Rejects Monaco Deal

Thomas Lemar has been one of the most consistent names linked to Liverpool as a possible Philippe Coutinho replacement (as if such a thing is even possible), both before the premature departure to Barcelona, and since.

Liverpool were heavily linked to the exciting left-footed midfielder in the summer, failing to come up with the requisite dough on Deadline Day. Again, the Merseyside club was linked in the winter window, but the money necessary to pluck the player from France’s top flight seemed to be a non-starter.

Now, the news out of France is that Lemar has rejected a contract extension from Monaco. Lemar will be out of contract in the summer of 2020, and is rumored to be on a paltry £22,000-per-week. Dear Fowler, I don’t know how he can afford to feed himself, or put a roof over his head.

Jokes aside, a player of Lemar’s caliber would be earning substantially more in the Premier League, especially with a top side like Liverpool.

Hell, even Arsenal can afford to pay Mesut Ozil £350,000 per week. That’ll look really smart when he crosses the wrong side of thirty next season.

Anyway, as if Klopp hugs and playing in front of the world’s greatest fans were not enough, Liverpool could offer Lemar some real financial incentives in the summer, if they are indeed still in for the 22-year-old talent.

If Liverpool want Lemar, they’ll still likely have to pay a premium. It is still a seller’s market, and Monaco still have substantial bargaining power with two years left in the contract, especially if he performs well at the upcoming World Cup.