Liverpool are reportedly scouting Real Betis left-back Riza Durmisi
According to the Daily Mail, Jurgen Klopp has sent scouts to watch the Real Betis left-back this season as he looks to address Liverpool’s left-back position. Durmisi apparently has a £17 million release clause in his contract and Liverpool are weighing up an offer, according to the report.
James Milner has been impressive as a left-back but Liverpool are still said to be looking for a natural left-sided player. Alberto Moreno has failed to make the position his own since joining the Reds in 2014 and has been criticised on several occasions for his defensive deficiencies.
Durmisi only joined Real Betis this season from Brondby in a £1.7 million deal and has impressed in Spain with his performances. Durmisi has played 12 games in the La Liga for Betis and has not scored a goal but has picked up one assist.
He is also averaging 0.92 key passes per game, 1 chance created per game and makes an average of 1.08 tackles, 1.25 interceptions and 1.83 clearances per game, according to Squawka. James Milner betters him in all those categories except interceptions, where they are both tied at 1.25 per game.
Durmisi is a full Danish international and has made 15 appearances for the national team. Capable of playing as a left-back, left wing-back and left midfielder, Durmisi’s versatility is sure to be another factor in Klopp’s reported interest.
Durmisi – who has a contract with Betis until 2021 – has previously featured against Liverpool and apparently caught Liverpool’s eye when he almost scored against them in a 2014 friendly, when he crashed a free-kick against the bar.
Although Klopp was not in charge of the Reds then, it appears that they have been tracking Durmisi for some time. Despite the German’s insistence earlier this week that he was not concerned about the left-back position, he has scarcely used Alberto Moreno after the Spaniard’s poor performances earlier in the season.
While Milner has been consistent and dependable, Klopp will definitely be looking to add depth to the side. At 31, Milner does not have too much time left at the top and Klopp will also be looking for a long-term solution for the left-back position.
It seems unlikely that Liverpool will sign Durmisi within this window, given the short time remaining and Klopp’s comments earlier in the week but if Durmisi continues to impress Liverpool scouts, a move in the summer could well be on the cards.
