Report: Liverpool’s Summer Transfer Plan Includes Ex-Everton Youngster | OneFootball

Liverpool Eyeing Ligue 1 Star Mohamed-Ali Cho in Summer Transfer Pursuit

Liverpool are reportedly gearing up for a summer move for Nice winger Mohamed-Ali Cho, according to TEAMtalk. The 21-year-old Frenchman, once part of Everton’s youth setup, has caught the attention of several top clubs with his electrifying performances in Ligue 1. This potential transfer could not only bolster Liverpool’s attacking options but also serve as a subtle dig at their Merseyside rivals, who let Cho slip through their fingers.

Mohamed-Ali Cho’s Journey: From Everton to Ligue 1 Stardom

Cho’s football journey has been anything but conventional. Born in France in 2004, he moved to England as an infant and spent much of his youth oscillating between the two countries. His early promise was evident when he joined Paris Saint-Germain’s academy, but it was Everton who secured his signature in 2015 after being impressed by his performance in a youth tournament in Marseille.

Despite his potential, Everton failed to secure a long-term deal, leading Cho to sign a professional contract with Angers in 2020. A source familiar with the situation labelled Everton’s failure to retain Cho as “one of the club’s biggest mistakes in recent years.”

His time at Angers saw him become one of the youngest players to sign a professional contract in France, second only to Eduardo Camavinga. After two seasons, Cho moved to Real Sociedad in 2022, before settling at Nice in 2024 for €12m (£10m). At Nice, he has started to truly flourish, with five goals and three assists in 25 appearances this season.

Why Liverpool Are Interested in Cho

Liverpool’s interest in Cho aligns with their strategy of investing in young, versatile talents who can contribute immediately while also developing into world-class players. With Mohamed Salah’s future uncertain—his contract is set to expire this summer—Arne Slot is keen to reinforce the attack with players capable of playing across the front line.

Cho fits this profile perfectly. At Nice, he has demonstrated his ability to play on both wings and as a central striker. His pace, dribbling skills, and improving goal-scoring ability make him an attractive option for Liverpool, who are looking to maintain their attacking prowess in the post-Salah era.

Moreover, Cho has European experience, having featured in the Europa League, which adds to his appeal for a club consistently competing on multiple fronts.

Financial Implications and Transfer Challenges

While Liverpool’s interest is genuine, securing Cho’s signature won’t be straightforward. Nice, having only recently signed him, are in a strong position to demand a hefty transfer fee. Cho’s contract runs until 2028, giving the French club significant leverage in negotiations.

Given Liverpool’s strategic approach to transfers—often favouring value and potential over high-profile splurges—it remains to be seen whether they will meet Nice’s valuation. However, the opportunity to secure a rising star who once belonged to their arch-rivals might be too tempting to pass up.

Photo: IMAGO

Cho’s Potential Impact at Liverpool

If Liverpool manage to bring Cho to Anfield, he could provide immediate depth and versatility to the squad. His ability to play across all attacking positions would give Arne Slot tactical flexibility, especially in high-stakes matches where squad rotation is crucial.

Moreover, Cho’s development under Slot’s guidance could see him evolve into a key player for the club in the coming years. His speed and flair on the wings could complement the likes of Darwin Núñez and Luis Díaz, creating a dynamic and unpredictable attacking trio.

However, adapting to the Premier League’s intensity and physicality will be a significant challenge for Cho. While his Ligue 1 performances are promising, the English top flight is a different beast. Patience from both the player and the fans will be essential as he adjusts to life at Anfield.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

As exciting as Mohamed-Ali Cho’s potential arrival sounds, sceptical Liverpool fans might see this move as another gamble rather than a calculated decision. While Cho’s talent is undeniable, his inconsistency and injury history—including hamstring and ankle issues at Real Sociedad—raise concerns about his ability to thrive in the physically demanding Premier League.

Moreover, with Salah’s contract situation looming, some fans might question whether investing in an unproven youngster is the right move when the club should arguably be focusing on securing a more established replacement. Liverpool’s history with young talents has been mixed, and while players like Diogo Jota and Luis Díaz have flourished, others haven’t quite hit the mark.

There’s also the financial aspect to consider. Nice will likely demand a substantial fee, and with Liverpool traditionally cautious in the transfer market, this could be a sticking point. Some supporters might argue that the funds could be better allocated to areas like midfield depth or defensive reinforcements, especially with the ongoing transition under Arne Slot.

In the end, while Cho represents an exciting prospect, Liverpool fans will be watching closely to see if this is a well-thought-out addition or another case of potential over proven quality.