The Arsenal youngster is reportedly attracting interest from the Anfield giants, but former Reds star Steve McManaman does not believe he is a necessity for the club.
Former Real Madrid ace McManaman admits that Bukayo Saka is one of the most talented teenagers in the country, but he doubts if the versatile winger is better than the players making their rise through the Liverpool youth sides.
Saka is enjoying a breakthrough season at the Emirates and has sealed his spot at left-back in Mikel Arteta’s lineup in recent weeks following a string of excellent performances.
The 18-year-old followed up a man-of-the-match display in the Gunners 4-0 thrashing of Newcastle last weekend with another superb showing in Arsenal’s 1-0 Europa League defeat of Olympiakos on Thursday.
No other Arsenal player has as many assists as the youngster (9), and it is this form that has made him the subject of interests from Manchester United and Liverpool, especially with his contract issues not yet resolved.
Reds hero McManaman doubts if Jurgen Klopp would say no to such a quality player should he become available on a free transfer. But the former England international warns that Saka would find it difficult making the Liverpool team.
“He looks like a really good player, but he’s incredibly young, ” McManaman wrote in his HorseRacing.net column via The Express.
“If there are contract issues and he ever becomes available on a free transfer, then that’s a no brainer because you’re taking someone on a free contract who’s young and has a lot of potentials.
“If he does join Liverpool then he’s got a long wait and Liverpool already have a couple of young left-backs waiting in the wings who we’ve seen in the FA Cup this year, who would probably be on a par with Bukayo Saka at this moment in time.
“It all depends on numerous things such as economics and whether it’s a deal that Liverpool thinks is worth doing.”
Saka has made 25 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners and looks set to add to that when Arteta’s men file out against Everton on Sunday.
