Rumour Mongering: Bissouma Talks to Take Place

With journalists who purportedly know what they’re talking about shouting loudly about Liverpool’s imminent signing of Ibrahima Konaté, media and fans alike are willing to turn to more dubious sources for their next rumour fix, and the options are plentiful.

Latest to dip their toes into ITK transfer shouting are Anfield Central, whose alleged inside sources claim a meeting between the club and Yves Bissouma’s agent will take place this week, perhaps as soon as Friday. A £40m transfer fee has been suggested.

The Malian midfielder has caught the eye of anyone who watched the impressive but unfortunate Brighton side this summer, and with Georginio Wijnaldum on the verge of signing for Barcelona, the Reds have an opening in their midfield for a press-resistant, defensively responsible ball progresser, a description that aptly fits the 24-year old.

A product of scouting masters and recently crowned French champions Lille’s transfer strategy, the six-foot midfielder has now spent three years in the Premier League, and led the competition in tackles and interceptions this season — although his per 90 numbers were only 7th among players with at least 20 matches — all the while being a crucial and dependable passer and ball carrier for the Seagulls.

Whether this rumour is actually the product of inside info or just an outlet putting two very obvious ideas together — Liverpool need a midfielder and Yves Bissouma will be moving to a bigger club this summer — isn’t clear, though we lean towards the latter. That doesn’t make it any less likely, however, and we would not at all be surprised if the Malian ends up a genuine transfer target for Mikey Edwards and the gang this window.