Liverpool are one of the biggest and most appealing football clubs in the world, and this factor has helped the Reds land some big deals over the years.

From the appointment of Arne Slot last summer to winning numerous transfer battles for some of the most coveted players in football, Liverpool’s reputation is one that only a handful of clubs come even close to rivalling or even topping.

And heading into the summer, the Reds will need to use their prestige to the max as Slot plans to overhaul his squad for next season, with Liverpool interested in signing Alexander Isak as just one of the many deals that could go through in the transfer window.

Now, Liverpool scouts have been left impressed by one African talent that has caught the eye in recent weeks, with FC Barcelona also interested.

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According to Africa Foot, Liverpool scouts have been ‘particualy interested’ in 16-year-old Ivory Coast defender Obli Kouame Jean Mederic, who has been ‘outstanding’ at the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations this month in Morocco.

As per the report, though, Barcelona have also been impressed with Mederic’s form in the competition, with Atalanta and Olympique Marseille two more sides that are keeping tabs on the teenage defender alongside Liverpool.

With African talents heading to Europe at earlier ages, it’s perhaps no real surprise that Liverpool are now watching a player like Mederic, who played a key role in the Ivory Coast finishing top of their group at the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.

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Yet with some big clubs like Barcelona in the mix as well as teams with immaculate youth development records like Atalanta, Liverpool already face a huge mountain to climb in trying to sign Mederic, who could be against a move to the Premier League.

Liverpool have been one of the best clubs in a post-Brexit Premier League world when it comes to signing some of the most exciting youngsters in the game, with Harvey Elliott picked up at the right time from Fulham with Rio Ngumoha likely to break into the first-team next season.

Yet this summer, the mission for Liverpool is as clear as day, with Slot’s senior squad in need of some major improvements, with virtually every position in need of some sort of changes whether it be more depth or an overhaul entirely.

Indeed, a talent like Mederic will be good for the years to come at Liverpool, but in the short-term, the Reds know they have a job on their hands to transform the squad via the market, which might mean a year where no major academy transfers are made.