Reports have emerged in Portugal claiming that super agent Jorge Mendes and Benfica president Luis Filipe Vieira have flown to England to try and complete deals to sell Nico Gaitan and Eduardo Salvio. O Jogo and A Bola both name Liverpool as a likely destination for Salvio and therefore Salvio, who has been linked with the Reds more than once in the last few months, could be on the talks agenda. The Reds have scouted Benfica games heavily, and bought Lazar Markovic last summer from the Portuguese giants.
Born in Avellaneda, Argentina, Eduardo Salvio began his playing career with local side Club Atletico Lanus. He was recruited to the youth side and he gradually made his way up the ranks and made his debut for the senior side in 2008 as an 18-year old. Early in January 2010, after heavy speculation, Salvio moved to Atletico Madrid for a reported a 10million fee. He made 21 appearances in total in his first (half) season and scored two goals in the time being. In August that year, Salvio moved to Benfica on a season long loan (with the Lisbon club also buying 20% of his rights for a 2.5 million). He didna t enjoy the brightest of start for the Portuguese club but he gradually established himself and by the end of the season, he had 10 goals and 8 assists in 39 matches in all competitions (4 goals and 3 assists in 19 league matches). After a successful season with Benfica, he went back to Atletico and was played regularly by both Gregorio Manzano and his successor, Diego Simeone. By the end of the season, Salvio had 8 goals and 3 assists in 48 games for Atletico. Despite a relatively good season, Atletico decided to part ways with the winger and he signed with Benfica permanently for five years for a club record a 13.5 million in July 2012. This season, the player has 10 goals for Benfica in all competitions.
The Argentinean operates on the wings and is predominantly a right-winger, but he can operate on the opposite flank as well. He is constantly running up and down the wings and cuts inside as well, making him a menace for the full-backs as he is very difficult to mark. He comfortably comes in the box and links up with the other attackers and has a go at the goal himself. He is also defensively adept and helps out his full-back as well by tracking back when needed.
Liverpool have undergone a terrible season and need to up the ante in the next campaign as they look to finish in the top 4. A number of quality signings will need to be made especially with Raheem Sterling looking likely to depart soon. Salvio has been consistent for the past three or four years and his stats indicate that he is improving every year. Therefore, he will be a good addition to the Reds squad. Reportedly, Spurs and United also have been interested in the player so it might be difficult for Liverpool to land their man. Salvio has a a 60m buyout clause, a few million over A?40m, but Liverpool could get the player for cheaper than the buyout clause