This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…
According to The Telegraph, Adam Lallana is an emerging target for MLS and Chinese clubs.
What’s the story?
The 31-year-old signed for the Reds from Southampton for £25m in 2014, and has since made 164 appearances for the Anfield outfit.
Watch the moment Adam Lallana broke United hearts at Old Trafford in the video below…
However, his contract is running out in the summer and, although he is set to be offered a new deal, he could depart in January if those aforementioned clubs step up their interest in him.
Versatility makes him valuable
In recent times, the 34-time England international has struggled with injuries. According to Transfermarkt, he has missed 39 games across the past two seasons combined, which does not make for good reading.
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However, Jurgen Klopp and co should do all they can to keep hold of him beyond January and, indeed, this current campaign. Whilst he will not be a guaranteed starter any time soon, he can prove to be a valuable back-up option moving forward.
The main reason for that is his versatility. Naturally an attacking midfielder, he can play in a number of positions in midfield, as well as further forward. As per Transfermarkt, he has played over 30 matches in attacking midfield, left midfield and on the left wing, whilst a handful of matches have come on the right as well.
Against Aston Villa at the weekend, Lallana even played in defensive midfield, and to great effect too, as he won five tackles and seven ground duels.
One only needs to look at his teammate on Merseyside, James Milner, to see that versatile players can be worth their weight in gold. Since joining the Reds, he has featured at left-midfield, right-midfield, defensive-midfield, right-back and left-back. All in all, he has made 191 appearances, scoring 25 goals and providing 39 assists, and he will leave Anfield with a Champions League medal at the very least.
The former Leeds man has received criticism in the past, just like Lallana, but Milner has had a strong impact on Liverpool, and the former Saint can do the same.
Klopp must do all he can to make sure he remains a part of his squad.
