Liverpool FC are on the verge of an expensive new signing – adding to the frustration at Tottenham Hotspur.
Ibrahima Konaté has yet to make a notable mark on Liverpool FC, but one thing only he can say about himself at the Reds is that he was signed this season. Now the second transfer is brewing at Anfield, and again it would be a costly one.
The consensus in England and Portugal is that Liverpool are now the top favourites in the race for Luis Diaz (25) from FC Porto. Apparently, the Reds successfully interfered with Tottenham Hotspur, who are so desperate for a winger but just seem to be messing with the wrong ones this January
Traoré has already turned Spurs down too
The Spanish international from Wolverhampton Wanderers has returned to FC Barcelona on a loan deal with an option to buy. Now Liverpool could be in for another shock.
The Guardian reports a €40million offer, which the Reds have embellished with “easily achievable” bonuses of a further ten million euros. Luis Diaz, who has scored 14 times (and missed a penalty) in 18 league games this season, reportedly has an €80m exit clause, but Porto are unlikely to press for it.
Salah and Mané soon turn 30
At Liverpool, the international, who finished third in the 2021 Copa America with Colombia and was joint top scorer with Lionel Messi, could increase Jürgen Klopp’s options in the attacking back three, which have been severely limited of late due to Mo Salah and Sadio Mané’s stay at the Africa Cup. Most importantly, both will soon turn 30.
While Liverpool’s scouts have been scrutinising him for a long time, Klopp examined Liu’s Diaz at close quarters during the Champions League group stage: The right-footer, who is usually in demand on the left at Porto, played through twice against Liverpool (1:5/0:2), scoring both his goals against Milan.
Again, Liverpool could sign a player who is about to make his breakthrough on the big stage but has not yet done so. Tottenham, meanwhile, have been linked with Dejan Kulusevski (21, Juventus).