Liverpool are reportedly among the clubs interested in KV Oostende midfielder Kenny Rocha Santos, valued at around €10 million.
According to Belgian news outlet Voetbal Flitsen, KV Oostende are set to face a battle against Liverpool in their bid to keep hold of Kenny Rocha Santos. The young midfielder has emerged as a target for the Premier League giants and could leave the Belgian club in the January transfer window for a fee of just €10 million.
A product of the AS Nancy youth academy, Santos was brought in for a free transfer in the summer. It proved to be a major coup for Oostende, as the midfielder has instantly made an impact in the Belgian top-flight.
With 21 appearances under his belt, Santos has become an ever-present figure in Oostende’s midfield unit. His contributions in the middle of the park have been critical in helping the club stay just ahead of RFC Seraing and Beerschot VA in the relegation battle.
However, with the Belgian minnows clearly struggling to offer attractive sporting opportunities, Santos could soon be on the verge of a potential transfer to a bigger club. Liverpool, to that end, have emerged as a potential suitor.
Having opted not to sign a replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum last summer, the Reds are struggling with a lack of depth in the midfield unit this season. Their young box-to-box midfielder Curtis Jones has suffered from injuries, while James Milner is in the final phase of his career. On top of that, Naby Keita has been linked with a move away from Anfield, amid interest from Barcelona.
It has accentuated the need for a new face in the midfield unit and that is where someone like Kenny Rocha Santos could prove to be a viable option. Although not very experienced at the highest level of football, the Cape Verde international has showcased a lot of potential with his performances in the Belgian Pro League this season.
His work ethic in midfield coupled with his versatility make him an attractive option for Jurgen Klopp. Available for a fee of just €10 million, he is not a risky investment either, though it remains to be seen whether the Reds can fend off competition from FC Porto and Feyenoord, the other clubs involved in the pursuit of Santos.
