Liverpool are on the verge of signing Benfica attacker Anderson Talisca, who is also courted by arch-rivals Manchester United.
According to latest reports, Champions League finalists Liverpool are set to pip Manchester United for the services of Anderson Talisca. The SL Benfica attacker has attracted a lot of interest from a host of top European clubs and is destined for a big-money move this summer.
Highly regarded as one of the hottest players in the Turkish Superlig, Anderson Talisca has spent two successful seasons with Besiktas FK.
Since joining the Black Eagles in the summer of 2016, the Brazilian has already netted 37 goals in 80 games in all competitions whilst providing 14 assists. The attacking midfielder helped Besiktas win the Superliga in his debut season. He was also voted as the Player of the Year in the Turkish top flight this season, scoring 14 goals. However, his current loan deal is set to expire after the end of July.
While few reports claim that Besiktas have taken up their option to permanently sign Talisca for a fee of €21m, it’s highly likely that the Turkish giants will be willing to sell him for a higher profit this summer. On the flip side, his parent club Benfica have also shown eagerness to sell their prized superstar, meaning a move to Premier League is virtually guaranteed for Anderson Talisca, one way or another.
Liverpool, in particular, are said to be in pole position to acquire the services of the Brazilian attacking sensation. Following the departure of star player Philipe Coutinho, earlier this year, the Reds are currently in the rebuilding process with head coach Jurgen Klopp desperate to further improve his side, in the upcoming summer transfer window, after failing to win the Champions League.
In fact, the Reds have already tied up deals for highly-rated midfielders in Fabinho and Naby Keita with Anderson Talisca also on their radar.
Even though the Brazilian attacker will come as a mystery to most of the Liverpool supporters considering his lack of experience top-five leagues or in the international stage, for that matter, a move for Anderson Talisca actually makes a lot of sense for the Reds.
Adam Lallana’s career has been marred by injuries and the English international is only a shadow of his former self at the moment. In addition, former Arsenal man Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain is also not an answer to Philipe Coutinho. Therefore, Anderson Talisca’s arrival at Liverpool would come as a sigh of relief for the Merseyside giants considering their lack of depth in the attacking midfield department.
That being said, Portuguese giants, Benfica have raised the valuation of Anderson Talisca amidst interest from clubs such as Manchester United, Juventus and Wolverhampton, meaning Liverpool will not be able to sign him on the cheap.
