Liverpool's Chance of Signing Matias Orozco Ruled Out
Liverpool’s search for midfield steel will not be leading them to Colombia’s latest prodigy, with Matias Orozco effectively ruled out as an Anfield option and handed what has been described as a “zero per cent chance” of joining the club.
Andoni Iraola’s reign has begun in uneven fashion, Liverpool clawing back a late point at St James’ Park against Newcastle United while looking anything but secure in the centre of the pitch. The debate over the balance of his midfield has already started, and it is fierce.
Carragher tears into Liverpool midfield
Jamie Carragher did not bother softening his words. The former Liverpool defender dissected the 1-1 draw on television, taking aim at the structure in front of the back four and, in particular, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai.
“I think Liverpool do need someone alongside Gravenberch,” Carragher said, questioning the Dutchman’s positioning. He then turned to Szoboszlai, insisting the Hungarian lacks the “discipline” to operate in a double pivot.
“It doesn't necessarily have to be a player who can't get on the ball, who's just tackling and stopping players,” he added. “If you play for one of the top teams in the world, like Liverpool are, you need to be able to get hold of the ball: but I want someone in [the midfield] who can run, and I just think Szoboszlai has to go to the no.10.”
Those comments only intensified the expectation that Liverpool might move for a young defensive midfielder before the window shuts.
Orozco off the table as Liverpool chase wide options
Colombian journalist Pipe Sierra has now poured cold water on any suggestion that Matias Orozco will be that man. According to Sierra, the 18-year-old deep-lying playmaker is not heading to Merseyside and has effectively been discounted as a Liverpool target.
That cuts against earlier noise in Colombia. VBar Caracol had reported that the Deportivo Cali teenager was close to a switch to Anfield after breaking into the first team last season and impressing with his composure at the base of midfield.
Those reports now look premature. The door to Liverpool is closed, at least for the moment.
The club’s recruitment drive appears fixed out wide instead. A deal for Yankuba Minteh is described as close, while Bradley Barcola has been repeatedly linked throughout the window as Iraola looks to refresh his options on the flanks rather than in the holding role that Carragher has highlighted.
Premier League queue forms for Colombian talent
Orozco’s future still looks destined to lie in England, just not in red. Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, Newcastle United, Everton, Aston Villa, Fulham and Manchester City have all been cited as admirers of the Barranquilla-born midfielder.
City, who have just wrapped up a move for Palmeiras winger Allen, are continuing their aggressive push into the South American market and now sit among the clubs monitoring Orozco’s situation. Leeds United and Brentford have also been mentioned as potential destinations.
So while Liverpool wrestle with the shape of Iraola’s midfield and weigh up wide recruits, one of the most intriguing young holding players in South America is being courted by almost everyone else. If the problems Carragher highlighted persist, how long before Liverpool regret stepping out of that race?
