Liverpool have reportedly been urged to prepare a massive transfer war chest for one particular Manchester City star, with Graeme Souness allegedly insisting that the player should be at the top of the club’s list if City are found guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules.
The reported comments have sparked a huge transfer debate, particularly because Souness allegedly believes Liverpool should look beyond the obvious names such as Erling Haaland and Jérémy Doku.
Instead, the former Liverpool midfielder reportedly wants the Reds to target the player he considers the driving force behind Pep Guardiola’s success at Manchester City.
“HAVE THE CASH READY”
According to the statement circulating online, Souness believes Liverpool should be ready to move immediately if Manchester City are found guilty following the Premier League’s financial investigation.
The alleged argument is that a major ruling could potentially create uncertainty around the futures of several City players.
While other clubs would naturally focus on the biggest names available, Souness reportedly believes Liverpool should have their attention fixed on one specific player.
The identity of that player is at the centre of the dramatic claim.
“FORGET HAALAND”
Souness’ reported message is particularly striking because it allegedly tells Liverpool not to make Haaland their priority.
The Norwegian striker remains one of the most prolific goalscorers in world football, but Souness reportedly believes Liverpool need to look at the player who makes the entire Manchester City system function.
According to the alleged comments, that player is viewed as the “engine” behind Guardiola’s success.
The claim has naturally generated huge speculation among supporters.
Why would Souness choose this particular City star over Haaland?
And what does he believe the player could bring to Liverpool?
“PEP’S ENGINE”
The strongest part of the reported statement is Souness’ alleged description of the unnamed player as a key source of Guardiola’s success.
According to the claim, even Guardiola has reportedly praised the player’s importance to Manchester City.
That would make the potential transfer extremely significant if Liverpool were ever able to secure his services.
Souness allegedly believes the player possesses qualities that would allow Liverpool to build around him and create a team capable of competing at the highest level.
LIVERPOOL COULD FACE A HUGE DECISION
The reported suggestion comes at a time when Liverpool are continually being linked with major attacking and midfield reinforcements.
However, Souness allegedly wants the club to take a different approach.
Rather than chasing every available star, the former Liverpool midfielder reportedly believes the club should identify the player who can influence the entire team.
The alleged message is essentially simple: do not just buy the biggest name — buy the player who makes everyone around him better.
WHAT ABOUT CHERKI?
The reported comments also reference Liverpool’s interest in Rayan Cherki, with Souness allegedly suggesting that the Reds should not allow other transfer targets to distract them from pursuing the Manchester City star.
Whether Liverpool actually have the financial capacity or intention to make such a move remains unclear.
There is also the obvious issue of Manchester City’s position and the outcome of the ongoing financial case.
A guilty verdict would not automatically mean that every City player becomes available, and any transfer would still require negotiations between the clubs and the player.
A POTENTIAL BLOCKBUSTER MOVE
If the reported scenario ever develops, Liverpool could potentially find themselves involved in one of the most fascinating transfer battles in the Premier League.
A Manchester City star moving directly to Liverpool would carry enormous attention, particularly if the player is genuinely regarded as one of Guardiola’s most important figures.
For now, however, the reported comments remain speculation.
There is no confirmed agreement between Liverpool and the unnamed player, nor is there confirmation that Manchester City would be forced to sell him.
But Souness’ alleged message has certainly created a fascinating transfer possibility.
Liverpool supporters will now be left wondering whether the player described as “Pep’s engine” could eventually trade the Etihad for Anfield.