Drinkel and Matchett Debate Gavi, Hato and Sesko in Transfer Talk | OneFootball

Matchett: “I Think He’s Technically Better Than All of Our Midfielders”

Liverpool’s Transfer Window Heats Up with Tactical Scrutiny

As the Arne Slot era quietly gathers momentum at Liverpool, transfer conversations are growing more complex. In a recent episode of AEyeScouted by Anfield Index, hosts Guy Drinkel and Karl Matchett delve deep into the players linked with Anfield and those on the European radar. This is not idle gossip, it’s tactical debate, the kind Liverpool fans have come to rely on from the Anfield Index network.

Mac Allister and Gavi: A Tactical Comparison

The conversation took a technical turn when Guy asked whether Barcelona’s Gavi could be a fit for Liverpool. Karl offered a detailed assessment: “He’s technically better than all of our midfielders except for Mac Allister, but he’s not a big guy and he’s not a powerful guy.” He questioned the need for another ball-carrier type when the club already boasts Curtis Jones and has just added Florian Wirtz.

Guy responded with tactical curiosity: “Would we sacrifice someone for Gavi?” Karl conceded, “If we didn’t have Mac Allister, if he just demanded to be sold to Real Madrid for 150 million quid or something, then consider Gavi as an alternative.”

The consensus? Gavi may be elite, but perhaps not essential,at least not under current squad dynamics.

Jorrel Hato and Liverpool’s Left-Flank Puzzle

Another intriguing name floated was Jorrel Hato of Ajax. Guy recalled the defender being spotted at Anfield recently: “He was at Anfield for a game at the end of the season, wasn’t he?” With Robertson and Tsimikas possibly on their way out, Hato emerges as a versatile option. Karl observed, “If we think of him as a long-term centre-back… he could cover centre-back and left-back, so it kind of works out math-wise.”

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Yet caution remains. Guy suggested a loan might be the best move: “He probably goes out on loan, perhaps, and gets played regularly rather than not.”

Sesko, Osimhen and the 80 Million Pound Conundrum

Karl was less than convinced about Benjamin Sesko’s rumoured £80 million move to Arsenal: “The reason that you can’t really see how he’s worth 80 million is because he’s not.” He pointed to Sesko’s underwhelming strike rate, noting, “17 league goals in the last two seasons in Germany.”

He argued Arsenal would be better served targeting Napoli’s Victor Osimhen: “I don’t care if people think he’s a head case. He’s the type of player who will make a difference for Arsenal.”

Matchett on Transfer Market Strategy

Discussing broader European dealings, Karl summarised the stage of the window by saying, “Now might be a little bit of a stock-taking… see what prices were paid for who, and work out where you’re going from there.”

Despite the slow Monday news, the episode offered dense tactical insight. From midfield comparisons to defensive solutions and striker valuations, the podcast reinforced that Liverpool’s transfer philosophy is being tested in a market of inflated expectations and urgent needs.

As Arne Slot prepares for his first full season in charge, it’s this sort of scrutiny and reflection that could ensure Liverpool’s next moves are not just reactionary, but strategically sound.