Liverpool begin contract talks with wonderkid for £39m

Twelve months ago, Liverpool were in party mode. The Premier League title had already been decided. Arne Slott has already traveled to Ibiza and deserved to celebrate his successful debut.

But no one believed that his hangover would last for another year.

The Reds went from champions of England to a team that overthrew their manager and pledged allegiance to the King of Egypt instead.

Something has to change this summer, starting with adding some fresh members.

Liverpool begin talks to sign winger for £39m

Now that Mohamed Salah has addressed the nation for the last time and prepares to vacate his throne, Liverpool must embark on the impossible task of finding his replacement.

Despite the controversy, even Slott will admit that trying to find the next Salah is a pointless exercise.

Another version of the Reds legend does not exist. Instead, the Anfield team will have to hope that Alexander Isak will do well enough to play a talismanic role while reimagining what it means to be a Liverpool winger.

And once they get a new prescription, one man appears to be in their crosshairs. According to TEAMTalk, Liverpool have begun negotiations to sign Bazmana Toure from Hoffenheim this summer.

The German club is expected to ask around 45 million euros (about £39 million), which would be Toure’s highest ever fee.

That shouldn’t be a problem for Liverpool given their spending last summer and they are clearly fans of the winger and have officially expressed an interest.

Dubbed by Liverpool journalist Bence Boksak as “one of the fastest players in Europe” and a player who “looks a bit like a young Sadio Mane”, it’s easy to see why the Reds are eyeing Toure, but his arrival would only hinder Rio Ngmoja’s development.

Why Toure’s arrival is bad news for Ngmoha

As far as Liverpool supporters are concerned, Ngmoha is the king in waiting. With Salah’s departure, he represents the most suitable option left to fill the remaining golden boot. But Anfield bosses may have other ideas in mind.

The pursuit of Touré could only spell bad news for the teenage star, who could take the post at this summer’s coronation.

The 20-year-old is certainly impressive, but it’s not a fight Liverpool need to ignite. Why beat Hoffenheim’s quick and tricky winger’s record when Ngumoha has already proven to be just that player?

Due to Toure’s extensive playing time, it is difficult to compare his goals per game, but what can be evaluated is his attacking success.

The threat Ngumoha provides in that department is unparalleled in Liverpool’s squad, and Toure certainly has no equal. What stands out is that the 17-year-old is attempting so many take-takes in each match with such success. He doesn’t succeed by being safe with the ball, he succeeds by being very practical in possession.

In comparison, Toure is more time-based and therefore tends to be less direct and less successful when attempting one-on-ones. In theory, if Liverpool are looking for a unique outlet, Ngmoha is their man.

That’s why it would be bad news for Slott if Liverpool were to travel this summer and bring in Toure. It would be another unnecessary headache for the Dutch at a time when his tenure is already very weak.

The boos around Anfield when Ngmoha was substituted against Chelsea should have made the winger’s position abundantly clear.

The Reds have been incredibly predictable throughout the season. So even they often run out of ideas. However, Ngumoha is an exception.

He is a unique performer who can create something out of nothing, and signing Toure would not only end his role in the side, but also hinder his clear path to development.