Premier League clubs Liverpool and Leicester City are monitoring Fiorentina’s Senegalese striker Khouma Babacar, with a view to signing the player in the January transfer window.
According to reports emanating from Italy, the 23-year-old may soon be joining either Jurgen Klopp’s Merseyside outfit, or Claudio Ranieri’s current EPL champions, but it seems that Liverpool are in pole position.
The talent from Senegal has scored six goals and contributed two assists in his 11 appearances for the Viola this season, but despite his impressive return, he is often deployed as a substitute.
This has contributed to Babacar’s own desire to leave the Florence club in search of more consistent time on the pitch, and Klopp may be able to offer him that at Anfield.
With Daniel Sturridge’s future at the club unknown, and fellow Senegalese striker Sadio Mané departing for Gabon on Nations Cup duty in January, Liverpool are in search of an attacker who can give them options.
Babacar has not yet featured for the Teranga Lions, and it is unlikely that he will be called up for national duty for the first time at the AFCON, so he would be able to replace Mané while the former Southampton striker dazzles defensive lines in Gabon.
With @SnoopDogg the best pic.twitter.com/a5cJ8Znq5P
— khouma El babacar (@babito10) July 29, 2015
At 23 years old, Babacar’s potential has never been in doubt, and to Italian audiences the Senegalese player may appear to be somewhat of a veteran, as he made his debut for Fiorentina at 16 in a Coppa Italia match.
His imposing presence and determination mean that he will likely suit the physical nature of the Premier League, while the absence of Mané in January and perhaps part of February would give the young striker the perfect opportunity to prove his ability and endear himself to Reds fans.