Despite recent reports suggesting that Liverpool have ‘registered their interest’ in Porto winger Otávio, reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has denied claims that the Reds are after the Portuguese international.
Romano also states that the release clause for Otávio is €40 million rather than the €60 million that had been reported. In todays’ market, €40 million for a player of his quality would be seen as a bargain.
Otávio has scored 14 goals in 155 appearances since singing for Porto in 2014 and has been a key figure in Porto’s recent success.
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Otávio represented Brazil at youth level but changed his nationality to Portuguese in March 2021. He has since scored 2 goals for his newly adopted nation.
Being a right sided attacker, Otávio could be seen as a long term replacement for Mohamed Salah, whose contract is set to expire in the summer of 2023.
With the recent departures of Sadio Mane, Divock Origi and Takumi Minamino, Liverpool’s attacking roster has been looking particularly sparse.
The Reds have already brought in Darwin Núñez and Fabio Carvalho, but neither option are deemed to be natural replacements for Sadio Mane, making a move for a silky winger, such as Otávio, more appealing.
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Being able to play on either the wing or as an attacking midfielder, the versatility of Otávio makes him a valuable target for Jurgen Klopp, so a move for Porto winger in the coming weeks would come as no surprise.
It has also been reported that Leeds have had a £26 million bid rejected for Otávio, as they look for a potential replacement for the outgoing Raphinha, who has recently been linked with a move to Anfield.
Romano also states in his tweet that former Liverpool midfielder, Gini WIjnaldum is not currently "in the list" for the Reds.
Wijnaldum spent 5 years at Anfield and departed the club in the summer of 2021, as a free agent.
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Wijnaldum's first year at PSG hasn't quite gone to plan, as he looks to depart the French Champions, having only scored 1 goal in 31 Ligue 1 appearances.
The Dutch international left Liverpool somewhat of a cult hero, and a return for the reliable midfielder would likely be welcomed with open arms by the Kop faithful.
Wijnaldum spent an illustrious 5 years at Liverpool, where he became a Premier League and Champions League winner.
During that time he scored what is deemed as one of the most important goals in the club's history, in Liverpool's 4-0 win against Barcelona.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: FC Porto, Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool, Liverpool Transfer News & Rumours
