Rumor Mongering: €60m Attacker Linked To Liverpool, Available At Cut Rate Fee

Liverpool were quick to move in the summer transfer market, smartly swooping in for arguably the best center back available in RB Leipzig’s Ibrahima Konaté before the window had even officially opened. Next on the list is most likely the continued transition away from the vaunted front three attackers that started with last year’s move for Diogo Jota, as well identifying an heir to the departed Gini Wijnaldum.

While the likes of Leicester City’s Youri Tielemans, RB Salzburg’s Patson Daka and Borussia Monchengladbach’s Florian Neuhaus have all credibly been linked to fulfill either of these two needs in the squad, another name has emerged from the rumor mill out of Portugal that might have a hand in addressing both at once.

Portuguese outlet, Correio da Manha have linked Liverpool to Porto attacking starlet, Otávio as a deal that could potentially be made on the cheap. While reports peg the attacking midfielder’s release clause at €60m, it is rumored that another clause in his contract would allow a deal to be done at just €40m if completed by the end of the month. Fiorentina and Valencia are said to also be interested in bringing the young talent to Italian and Spain respectively.

The 26-year-old has developed into a budding star since moving to the Portuguese top flight from Brazilian giants Internacional in 2014. The diminutive creator has racked up 18 goals and 44 assists in the seven seasons since, including five goals and eight assists in the season just ended, averaging just about a goal contribution every other game.

The Brazilian U23 international has also displayed admirable flexibility in his play, playing left, right and central midfield as well as along the forward line. While not the biggest player on the pitch at 5’7, he nevertheless loves to counterpress, combining a nose for a good tackle high up the pitch with quick progressive passing to create chances for his teammates.

Despite being available at a cut rate, Transfermarket only has Otávio valued at €24m. Furthermore it has been mooted that the Reds will need to offload some of the fringe players in the squad before any other deals are made this summer. Nevertheless, this remains a transfer to watch and another name to add to the wish list.