Liverpool are reportedly poised to complete the signing of former Barcelona youngster Juanma.
After bringing in a host of names to Anfield this summer, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is on the verge of signing former Barcelona defender Juanma. The 19-year-old has reportedly spent the last week and a half with the under-23 side, and is believed to have impressed Klopp.
Meanwhile, wantaway striker Mario Balotelli has been offered an exit route to Serie A side Chievo as it is understood he does not fit into the philosophy of Klopp at Anfield.
Juanma on the verge of completing Liverpool move
According to Neil Jones of the Liverpool Echo, the Reds are close to completing a transfer for Barcelona academy product Juan Manuel Garcia. It is reported that the defender has been with the Liverpool under-23 side for the past ten days, and has passed a trial at the club.
Juanma is subject to a medical and will join the youth squad for the upcoming campaign, as he is still not considered to be a viable first-team player. However, the experience gained at La Masia would be pivotal in moulding the young left-back into one of Liverpool’s best players in the years to come.
Liverpool’s under-23 coach Michael Beale has been impressed by the youngster’s performances and also compared him to Manchester City full-back Pablo Zableta.
“Juanma is a boy who’s come in to spend the week with us with a view to maybe seeing more of him. He’s only had a couple of days training with us, speaks very little English but you can see a very good player.
“He was at Barcelona so we’ll have a look and see how we go with him. He played with Madger Gomes and Pedro Chirivella with Spain so we’re quite familiar with him.
“He’s very versatile and can play in different positions because technically he’s very good.
“I quite like him, he reminds he a little bit of someone like a Pablo Zabaleta-type player, a nice player,” stated Beale.
Chievo president interested in signing Liverpool outcast Mario Balotelli
Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli is reportedly not a part of Jurgen Klopp’s plans this season and is looking for an exit from Anfield. He had a largely unsuccessful stint on loan at AC Milan during the 2015/16 season, and is now looking for a new club.
According to Mail Online, Chievo president Luca Campedelli wants to bring back the striker to the Serie A. Despite the Italian striker managing to score only a solitary goal in each of his last two seasons, Campedelli believes that he could turn the fortunes around for his side. Chievo have also been handed a colossal transfer boost as Besiktas, who were interested in signing the 30-year-old, have pulled out of the race due to issues with the striker’s temperament.
