Bharath Rammr
Liverpool are showing a lot of interest in signing Yasser Larouci. The 16-year-old has been attracting attention from a number of top clubs across Europe. Manchester United are believed to have been the front runners for his signature. He has decided to leave French outfit Le Havre, who play in the second division, after turning down a contract extension from the club. As a result, he will be available on a free transfer, although clubs will be required to pay training compensation for securing an under-23 player on a free transfer.
The 16-year-old plays as the attacking midfielder for Le Havre. Born in Algeria, Yasser Larouci is not a stranger to English football after having previously had a trial with Southampton back in August. It is quite clear that the interest from England has been a major factor behind the player turning down the contract offer from Le Havre. He appears to be on the verge of being rewarded quite high for this risk with the potential to Liverpool. Larouci has been so regarded highly at the French club that he was even given the captain’s armband for the under 16 side.
Yet, he has chosen to go down the of a lucrative move to a big club. United may not appeal to him as a destination at this moment considering that the club are concentrating more on enriching the first-team squad with star players like Antoine Griezmann. With such high competition, Larouci is unlikely to force his way into the first-team anytime soon.
Liverpool seem to have the settled the squad in the Premier League even though they have been going through a recent wobble. Manager Jurgen Klopp will be able to provide Larouci with enough first-team opportunities. However, Southampton remain as a potential threat to both Liverpool and United, as the club are currently coached by Claude Puel, who knows extremely well about French football. Apart from being capable of playing behind the striker, Larouci is also quite flexible and can play on the wings. Some of the major advantages of Larouci is the player’s intense pressing, pace, and work-rate.
It is not a surprise that he has come through the Le Havre youth academy and been linked with a move to United. One of the biggest successes of this Le Havre academy has been Paul Pogba, while Dimitri Payet and Riyad Mahrez have also come through the ranks at this French club.
