Liverpool dealt early transfer blow before Jurgen Klopp exit as midfielder signs deal

Liverpool have been dealt a major blow to their hopes of signing Cheick Doucoure at the end of the season. The 24-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Anfield in the summer when Jurgen Klopp was in the market for a new midfielder.

After missing out on Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia to Chelsea, the Reds wrapped up a deal for Wataru Endo in the final weeks of the transfer window. The Japan international has proven to be an excellent addition to the Liverpool squad but, at 31, the club are still without a youthful, long-term holding midfielder.

In July 2023, the ECHO reported that Doucoure was shortlisted by the Reds. After opting against the Crystal Palace star in favour of a shrewder deal with Stuttgart, many believed that Liverpool would simply reignite their interest at a later date.

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However, in November, Doucoure suffered an achilles tendon injury during the Eagles' 2-1 defeat to Luton Town at Kenilworth Road. Despite fears that the Mali international could miss the remainder of the campaign, Palace have rewarded his efforts with a new long-term contract at Selhurst Park.

Speaking to the official club website, Steve Parish heaped praise on Doucoure. The south London side's chairman said: "It is brilliant news that Cheick, who was such an outstanding performer for us last season, has signed this new contract.

"We have no doubt that, after such a fantastic start to life in red and blue, Cheick will continue to progress as a player in the years to come, and I couldn’t be happier to see him become the latest player to commit their future to Crystal