Dave Davis Dismisses De Bruyne Wishes but Flags Gittens Potential
Future Watch: Liverpool's Transfer Radar Scans De Bruyne, Gittens and Cherki
De Bruyne's Uncertain Exit Sparks Fan Curiosity
When Kevin De Bruyne appeared in the tunnel after Manchester City's recent win over Everton, his words were sharper than usual. 'There was a little bit of shock as I didn't have any offer from City the whole year,' he said. 'Obviously I was a bit surprised but I have to accept it.'
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That statement, discussed in detail by Dave Davis on The Transfer Show, quickly turned heads. 'This is a player that is quite clearly saying 'I think I can still perform at this level'… in football terms, that's 'Offer me something,'' Davis noted.
Yet despite murmurs across fan media that Liverpool should swoop in, Davis poured cold water on the idea. 'In football terms, he's dead – his legs have gone,' Davis said, quoting an analyst's blunt assessment. 'FSG giving big wages to a 33-year-old? It's not happening. We're not like that.'
Still, the fact that De Bruyne is being talked about in Liverpool circles shows the desperation for creativity in midfield – and just how much his City future has drifted into uncertainty.
Gittens Move a Possibility if Price Is Right
Of all the emerging talents discussed, Jamie Gittens appears the most likely to land in Liverpool's plans – but only if the numbers work. The Borussia Dortmund winger, still just 20, has been scouted extensively by Liverpool, according to Davis.
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'Explosive… one of the quickest players in the Bundesliga,' Davis said, referencing Dortmund's public speed data. 'Liverpool have had a hard look – and if the price comes down, don't be surprised if they move.'
The sticking point so far? Dortmund's valuation. 'When the price was quoted, it was like 'not a chance.' But if it comes to that Liverpool sweet spot around the £40 million zone, they'll be back in.'
It's not a done deal by any stretch, but Gittens fits the FSG mould – young, high ceiling, and mouldable. 'There's a lot of raw materials there to work with,' Davis added, suggesting he'd be a project player rather than an immediate starter.
Cherki Still a YouTube Dream, Not a Slot System Fit
Rayan Cherki's name refuses to go away. Another week, another viral highlight reel, another wave of calls from fans to make a move. But as Davis explained, the hype doesn't match Liverpool's reality.
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'Whenever you ask around about Cherki, you kind of get an 'Oh my God, has this name come up again?'' Davis said. 'Liverpool have watched him, of course, but if they wanted to do it, they could have by now. Around £25 million would get it done.'
So why hasn't it happened? 'When you look at all his metrics… Mo Salah looks like Gattuso compared to Cherki,' Davis quipped. 'You're essentially defending with nine if Cherki and Salah are on the pitch.'
It's not just the stats. There are whispers about his attitude too, although as Davis admitted, 'No one ever really knows – the stories are coming out of France.' But in a squad where work rate is non-negotiable under Arne Slot, Cherki may be a non-starter.
Our View – Anfield Index Analysis
Liverpool's transfer focus is often clinical, but the chatter around De Bruyne, Gittens, and Cherki shows how perception and practicality clash in summer planning. De Bruyne is a legend – but the wage demands and age make a deal impossible. Gittens is raw but promising – the type of player Liverpool can sculpt. Cherki remains a dazzling wildcard that simply doesn't fit the system.
As Dave Davis put it, 'If the price comes down, Liverpool are back being interested… but they won't bend their model for anyone.'
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