Former Liverpool hero John Barnes has issued a transfer warning to Jurgen Klopp over the pursuit of Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho.
Liverpool emerged as Sancho’s potential destination after a move to Manchester United failed to materialize.
The 20-year-old had long figured as United’s top transfer target, but the Red Devils came nowhere near Dortmund’s £108m asking price.
Indeed, the long-standing transfer saga was making headlines throughout the summer but bore no fruits whatsoever.
Since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side pulled out of the race for Sancho, alternate options have popped up.
Such an option is Anfield, although Klopp already has the likes of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, and Sadio Mane at his disposal.
Furthermore, the German has reinforced his attacking department with the signing of Diogo Jota.
In such a high-competitive offensive line, Sancho may struggle to find regular first-team action. But, the Englishman is not the type of player that would settle with playing second fiddle to anyone.
Despite his vast potential and unquestionable quality, the sought-after forward would encounter a huge battle of securing the status of a permanent fixture at Liverpool.
John Barnes fears that would be the case should Klopp proceeds with his pursuit of Sancho.
“I can’t see Sancho getting in ahead of Mane, Salah, or [Roberto] Firmino, so for him to come, he would have to fight for a place and not necessarily be in the team,” he said, as relayed by the Express Sport.
“I don’t think anyone from the front three will be replaced and seeing as they’ve just signed Jota, and they have [Divock] Origi and [Xherdan] Shaqiri, it doesn’t make sense to get Sancho.
“I’d be very surprised if they get him.
“It’s good to get great players, but are Liverpool going to spend £100m on one player?
“I doubt it very much. I don’t think that’s one that will happen.”
Sancho had an extraordinary 2019/20 season, racking up 20 goals and as many assists in 44 competitive appearances.
Such an impressive output made him one of the most productive forwards in Europe’s top-five leagues.
If he does manage to translate such a predatory form into 2020/21, it would be almost impossible for Dortmund to retain their prized asset beyond next summer.
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