Liverpool are reportedly considering a move for Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, with the England international viewed as a player who could fit perfectly into Andoni Iraola’s plans having previously working with the player.
Liverpool’s summer rebuild continues to gather pace, with Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott emerging as a potential transfer target for Andoni Iraola.
Reports suggest the Reds are considering a bid worth around £40 million for the 22-year-old, although Bournemouth are believed to value the midfielder at around £60m.
Having worked closely with Scott at Bournemouth, new Liverpool head coach Iraola knows the midfielder’s qualities better than most and is reportedly keen on a reunion at Anfield.
If a deal were to materialise, Scott would become one of the first signings of the Iraola era and with someone who shone previously under his stewardship, it would be a great pickup in a position that was lightweight in Liverpool’s stark decline last season. Throughout last season, the Reds often lacked energy, dynamism and control in midfield. Scott’s ability to progress play while contributing defensively would offer another dimension to the squad.
Why Iraola Rates Scott
Scott enjoyed an impressive campaign on the south coast and developed into one of Bournemouth’s key players in a side that qualified for the Europa League.
Comfortable operating in the midfield, whether its defensive and doing the dirty work or pushing into advanced areas and linking play at the top end of the pitch, the England international is admired for his technical quality, work rate and ability to carry the ball through pressure.
Those attributes helped Bournemouth secure European qualification for the first time in their history and established Scott as one of the Premier League’s most promising young midfielders.
For Liverpool, his versatility across the midfield would be particularly appealing.
Competition For His Signature
Liverpool are not alone in their admiration, with Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur being linked with Scott, ensuring any move is unlikely to be straightforward and competition ensues.
The midfielder is currently away with England and is in line to make his senior international debut against New Zealand ahead of World Cup preparations. His England birth comes following a breakthrough season that has enhanced his reputation through the roof.
That recognition will only strengthen Bournemouth’s negotiating position as a fully fledged international with his national side.
Does The Move Make Sense?
Perhaps the biggest question is where Scott would fit within Liverpool’s midfield amid an evolving side.
The Reds continue to be linked with several midfield options as they look to reshape the squad following their campaign.
However, Scott’s age, Premier League experience and familiarity with Iraola’s methods makes him an appeal and a good option to begin a revamped side.
Unlike many transfer targets, he would not require a lengthy adaptation period to understand what Liverpool’s new head coach expects, with that existing relationship already in place, that could be crucial.
One To Watch
Whether Liverpool meet Bournemouth’s demands for the player remains to be seen, but the fact Scott is being linked so strongly with a reunion under Iraola is unlikely to be a coincidence.
As Liverpool begin a new chapter, the Bournemouth midfielder could become one of the first players trusted to help bring Iraola’s vision to fruition at Anfield.
