Liverpool targets 'next N'Golo Kante' but faces Premier League transfer competition
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Liverpool is reportedly one of a number of clubs that are keeping tabs on a player who has been dubbed the next N'Golo Kante.
Kante cemented his legacy as one of the Premier League's all-time great midfielders across his spells with Leicester City and Chelsea.
So it stands to reason that a number of top clubs are apparently keen on signing his heir, with Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea all interested in Ajax teenager Jorthy Mokio.
Mokio is still just 17 years old but has played for Ajax's first team over 20 times, having made his debut during the 2024-25 season.
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TEAMtalk says that Chelsea has extensively scouted the Belgian youngster, while Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham are all named as interested parties.
Mokio, who can operate either as a holding midfielder or as a center-back, reportedly turned down approaches from Barcelona and Bayern Munich last year because he wanted to join Ajax, which is a club renowned for nurturing talented young players.
Mokio was previously at Belgian club Gent, which is based in the city of Ghent — where Mokio was born.
The teenager made his senior international debut earlier this year, coming off the bench in a Nations League game against Ukraine in March.
In other transfer news, Liverpool could face competition from Manchester City for Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise, according to Bayern expert Christian Falk.
Olise has been linked with the Reds as a possible long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah, who will be 35 when the two-year deal he signed last season expires in 2027.
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“The case of Michael Olise’s contract at Bayern Munich [which expires in 2029] bears some similarity to Jamal Musiala’s case – if you wait a little too long, it’s getting difficult,” Falk said, as he suggested Bayern could look to hand Olise improved terms.
“In the past, clubs would happily open such talks a year before the contract expired
Manchester City are watching him, Liverpool are watching him.
“As long as his contract is running, you have a chance to keep him
Now, Bayern need to see if they can convince him that his future is in Munich.
“On the one hand, there is an argument to boost his salary in line with the quality of his performances, but on the other hand, Bayern still want to lower salaries throughout the squad