Liverpool remain interested in the services of FC Porto attacker Otavio, who reportedly has a €60 million release clause.
According to Record, Liverpool scouts are continuing to keep an eye on Otavio. The club was linked with a move for FC Porto attacker last summer and even had the option of snapping him up last month, but a move did not materialise.
But now the report suggests that the Reds’ scouts were keeping a close eye on the exciting attacker in their Champions League game against FC Porto on Tuesday. There was nothing much to see, though, with the Portuguese giants receiving a 5-1 drubbing at the hands of the 2019 European champions.
Otavio’s overall record at Porto is quite impressive, though, with the Portuguese international becoming a key component in the club’s attack in recent years. In fact, he has notched up almost 200 competitive appearances for Do Dragao, scoring 19 goals while supplying as many as 52 assists.
An attacking midfielder by trade, the 26-year-old’s strongest asset is his ability to create chances in the final third, as evident in his tally at FC Porto. But he does offer a lot of versatility too, with the former Internacional prodigy having the ability to operate on both flanks if required, and even in the wide position of a conventional 4-4-2.
It bodes well for Jurgen Klopp, who is in the market for a new playmaker that can supplement the midfield department, as far as chance creation is concerned. Otavio’s versatility could prove to be handy as well, knowing he can offer backup for the wide attackers like Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.
However, the 26-year-old is set to cost a fortune, as his release clause is worth around €60 million. The report does suggest that it was lowered to €40 million in the summer, but Liverpool failed to take advantage of that. As such, they may have to splurge a large sum in order to secure the services of the Portuguese international.
Fortunately, the Reds have no shortage of alternatives. They have recently linked with a move for former Bournemouth star Arnaut Danjuma and although he is more of an out and out winger, the Dutchman can still offer the much-needed depth in the final third. He did just move to Villarreal, though, so a move elsewhere is not likely anytime soon.
