Liverpool targeting €100m star winger who 'breaks all the records' as club president forced to speak out
Liverpool are reportedly interested in making a move for an exciting winger who could be the next Luis Diaz.
In recent transfer windows, Liverpool certainly haven't been shy of spending big in order to sign an exciting new front line boasting players like Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike and newest signing Bradley Barcola.
It therefore is highly likely that the Reds are already preparing moves to sign forward stars they believe could be shrewd signings in the near future, and it's been reported that Brazilian winger William Gomes is at the very top of this list.
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Who is Liverpool transfer target William Gomes?
Currently playing for Porto, Gomes reportedly first piqued Liverpool's interest at the end of the summer window, with rumours suggesting that the Reds were considering making a late move.
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The 20-year-old has been linked with the likes of Newcastle United, Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea just in the last year alone, but no concrete moves have happened as of yet.
However, according to Portuguese newspaper A Bola, this could soon change as, despite recently signing Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain for £123million, Liverpool still hold Gomes high regard as a potential signing.
That being said, the chances of signing the youngster recently got slimmer after Porto tied him down for another two years with a brand new contract that keeps him there until June 2031.
The new contract also increased Gomes’ release clause from €80m (£69.6m) to €100m (£87m).
But it is likely that Liverpool, or any other club for that matter, would not need to pay as much as this to secure a move for Gomes, who is currently valued at around €30m (£26.1m).
Gomes' new release clause instead has clearly been put in place as Porto believe his market value will only continue to increase drastically as clubs take notice of his impressive stats.
So far this season, the winger has started with two goals and two assists in nine appearances, having contributed eight goals and one assist while playing a key role in Porto winning the Portuguese league title last season.
Porto president addresses Liverpool links to William Gomes in club statement
Shortly after Porto announced that Gomes had penned a new long-term contract, club president Andre Villas-Boas confirmed that the young Brazilian had recently been subject to interest from various clubs, prompting them to offer him new terms.
“We’re happy with William’s progress, which is why we wanted to reward him. He’s attracted interest from many clubs, and we haven’t ignored that, but his commitment to Porto has been total,” he said.
"He’s a player who breaks all the statistical records through his effort and dedication, both in attack and defence. That’s part of Porto’s values, giving everything for our cause.”
“We decided to extend his contract in agreement with the manager, who felt this was the right time to reward the player for his commitment, effort and dedication to the club."
Seemingly sending a message to Liverpool or any other would-be suitors, he added: "We reached an agreement quickly because this was also what William wanted. Hopefully, it’s the continuation of a great story.”
Topics: Transfer News, Premier League, Football, Liverpool
Ben McCrum