Premier League giants Liverpool are interested in Valencia central midfielder Carlos Soler and could sign him for €40 million.
According to Spanish publication Sport (via Sport Witness), Liverpool are showing interest in Valencia midfielder Carlos Soler, along with Atletico Madrid and Juventus. Soler was reported to be closing in on a move to Barcelona, with AS claiming that the 25-year-old had agreed on personal terms with the Catalan giants.
The Barcelona reports were soon dismissed by Valencia, who released an official statement stating there is no ‘ongoing negotiation’ with the Blaugrana over a possible move for Soler. They added that they are in discussions with the player’s entourage over a contract extension with the midfielder’s current deal expiring next year.
Barcelona are said to retain their interest in Soler with their sporting director Mateu Alemany especially pushing for his signature. Alemany was previously at Valencia and is thus well aware of the Spaniard’s potential.
While Barcelona continue to be linked with the Spain international, other clubs have also started showing interest. Liverpool are among the interested parties with Atletico Madrid and Juventus also monitoring his situation.
Soler is reportedly eager on a move as he is said to be ‘upset’ with manager Jose Bordalas. The player has a €50 million release clause in his contract with the Spanish side but could be available for €40 million this summer.
The 25-year-old has been in fine form this season, scoring 12 and assisting five goals from the midfield across all competitions. The Valencia youth product has made 219 appearances for the club, scoring 35 goals and assisting 31 in the process.
Liverpool are in need of refreshing their options in the middle of the park as James Milner is in the final phase of his career, while Jordan Henderson is well into his thirties. With Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain likely to be moved on, there will be a vacancy in the midfield department at Anfield, which Soler can fill.
The now-Valencia captain could be nearing a move away from the club with four European giants, including Liverpool, interested in his services. The price tag of €40 million also seems like an amount that the Reds can manage easily.
Valencia are still trying to extend Soler’s contract and have reportedly offered him a deal worth €2.8 million per year in wages. It remains to be seen which way the central midfielder decides to go this summer.
