Liverpool can repeat unexpected transfer successes of the past with signing of Spain star

Anfield Talk
by Anfield Talk June 07, 2022

 


Liverpool have been linked with Valencia midfielder Carlos Soler.

With uncertainty surrounding the futures of Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah, it’s unsurprising that Liverpool are being linked with signing all manner of wingers and forwards. Some fresh blood in other areas of the pitch might not go amiss too though.

After all, the Reds had the fourth oldest starting XI in the 2021/22 Premier League on average. The area which could perhaps use a signing at around peak age is the midfield, which is mostly stocked with promising youngsters or veterans.

New boy Fabio Carvalho will join the former group, while James Milner has extended his contract to remain in the latter set for another season. As things stand there won’t be a midfielder at Liverpool aged between 21 and 27 when 2022/23 gets underway, though a Spanish international might be about to fill that gap.

The man in question is Carlos Soler of Valencia, who was linked with Liverpool at the start of the season. At that time, Fichajes reported that Jurgen Klopp liked “his ability to occupy different roles within the midfielder zone.” While he most commonly plays centrally, the 25-year-old has featured on both sides of the midfield too.

Soler looks to be on the move this summer as he only has one year remaining on his current deal, and as he made his international debut in this campaign he looks ready to step up to a bigger club. It’s not immediately clear that his strengths align with Liverpool’s needs though.

For instance, Soler was one of the top chance creating midfielders from set pieces in La Liga this season. It’s a valuable skill to possess – Alex Ferguson once claimed Charlie Adam’s corners were worth £10million – but the Reds have this covered with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson. Although the Valencia man was in the top 30 players in the big leagues for out-swinging corners (which Liverpool favour) this season, Klopp’s full-backs were among the top eight.