Both the Italian and the Catalan giants are rumoured to be preparing approaches that may lever French-Malian midfielder Mohamed Sissoko out of Anfield and over the mainland next season… With the transfer season about to get into gear, neither club wants to lose sight of a potential prize piece for their holding midfield. The 22 year-old tower (six foot two) may be just the right shape and size to fill the gaps in both teams.
Juve saw the Torsten Frings option bite the dust as the Mannschaft dynamo decided to stay with Werder Bremen and are eager to net a player that can shoulder the burden of commanding the rearguard.
In Catalunya the priority is a defensive midfielder as Rafael Marquez is seen as needing stiffer competition. Rijkaard needs an alternative to the Mexican and doesn’t appear to deposit much faith in an out-of-favour (and often out-of-position) Edmílson.
Juve boss Didier Deschamps reportedly asked his hierarchy to snap the player up in the winter transfer break, but the board were reluctant to open their starved wallets then.
Now the player is seen as being ready to ask Rafa Benitez to be released as it looks as if playing time will be limited for the African next season. The competition in the Red midfield is stiff – and has just got stiffer.
With Javier Mascherano, Xabi Alonso and Steven Gerrard already fleshing out a mean midfield, Brazil Under-20 Captain Lucas Pezzini Leiva will arrive in July from Brazilians Grêmio – direct competition for the number 22.
A distinct advantage of signing the midfielder is that the footballer was born in Mont-Saint-Aignan, France and comes complete with that natty European fashion accessory of a European passport and wont take a non-EU place.
Sissoko has already played in La Liga, two years at Valencia following on from his explosive appearances at Auxerre. Benitez lifted him from Mestalla and it remains to be seen if he’s willing to let him go before seeing his full potential.
Goal.com 2007®
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