Brazilian attacker Alex Teixeira has confirmed that he wants to leave in this January transfer window, while also revealing that his employers Shakhtar Dontesk had received a very good offer for him.
Alex Teixeira has been one of the biggest names linked with a move to the Premier League in January, and unlike many others, this is a transfer that could realistically be completed before the deadline at the end of the month.
The Brazilian’s tremendous season in terms of goals scored has been well documented, and that has led to interest from the likes of Premier League champions Chelsea FC, and top 4 contenders Liverpool FC. The Reds even submitted a formal offer for the Shakhtar Donetesk talisman, who has scored an incredible 26 goals in all competitions for the Ukrainian side.
After spending six years with the club, Teixeira feels the time is right for a change of scenery for him and his family. The 26-year-old reiterated his desire to move to England in the January window, while also revealing that a big offer had come in for him — thought to be from Liverpool FC.
Teixeira is quoted as saying in an interview to Brazilian media outlet O Globo (via Independent): “I would like to move in this transfer window and have told them [Shakhtar] that. They have received a very good offer and they are working on a solution.
“But if I don’t go now then I will leave in the summer. After six years in Europe and with Shakhtar we are ready to move and I have spoken to my wife and daughter.”
Liverpool and Chelsea target Alex Teixeira has told Shakhtar Donetsk he wants to leave https://t.co/AC2Evc8vLZ pic.twitter.com/srIBTLnXlC
— Indy Football (@IndyFootball) January 24, 2016
Chelsea FC seems a more natural fit, but first-team opportunities better at Liverpool FC
Given the number of Brazilians and Portuguese players at Chelsea FC, including former teammate Willian, as also the fact that the Blues are based in the more attractive city of London, a transfer to Stamford Bridge seems like it could appeal more to Alex Teixeira compared to a move to Liverpool FC.
Saliently, however, the Blues have a whole host of attacking midfielders, with some younger players in those positions who should be in and around the first-team in the coming seasons. Meanwhile, Liverpool FC’s 4-3-3 could use a goal-threat like Teixeira operating from either the right or the left, particularly given the injury concerns surrounding the Reds’ players.
If a move for Teixeira is sanctioned by Chelsea FC, it could be at the cost of losing a player on the club’s books — likely to be either Oscar, who hasn’t quite lived up to the remarkable potential he showed when he first signed, or Pedro, who has failed to meet the standards expected of an experienced player like him following a stellar début.
