Galatasaray are reportedly interested in acquiring the services of Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva. With the Reds keen on moving the Brazilian off their wage bill, the Turkish giants are looking to sign him on a free transfer.
Turkish newspaper Fotomac have claimed that Super Lig giants Galatasaray want to bring the Brazilian to Turkey, albeit on a free transfer. Lucas currently has a year remaining on his contract, but the report states that Liverpool are keen to get the midfielder off their books and are prepared to let go off their once-prized asset without any cash in return.
Galatasaray are currently under a Financial Fair Play investigation and have already been banned from appearing in European competitions this coming season for failing to comply with the regulations over the last few years. Under such financial constraints, the Turkish side are reportedly willing to pay the midfielder’s wages over the season if Liverpool send him on loan. Alternatively, a contract worth €2.4m per season is being prepared for Lucas Leiva if he were to join on a permanent basis.
The report also adds that if Liverpool do demand a fee for the player, Galatasaray are open to paying the Reds a fee at the end of the season. Lucas Leiva has been linked with a move away from the club throughout the summer, and was even linked earlier with a €3m move to Galatasaray.
There were reports of fellow Turkish side Besiktas joining the fray, with Lucas said to be interested in a move to the Super Lig holders. The Brazilian was also rumoured to be a part of the deal involving Georginio Wijnaldum’s transfer to Liverpool, but the Dutch midfielder has since gone on to sign for the Reds in a cash only deal, leaving Lucas’ future unresolved.
Liverpool fans will be sorry to see Lucas go, given the midfielder has gone on to make 222 appearances for Liverpool in the Barclays Premier League, even captaining the side on a few occasions. It will be interesting to see how the transfer window pans out for Lucas Leiva, as the arrival of Wijnaldum has strengthened the midfield numbers at Liverpool further.
Liverpool academy youngster Harry Wilson signs new long-term deal
Liverpool have confirmed, through their official website, that youngster Harry Wilson has signed a new contract to stay at the club. The academy product was out on loan for the first half of last season to League One side Crewe but saw his loan spell cut short after making seven league appearances for his temporary employers. The winger, who has the ability to play on either flank, is yet to make his senior debut for Liverpool.
The player was delighted at securing a new contract with Liverpool, the club he has been with since the age of eight, and he took to Twitter to announce the new deal himself.
Delighted to have signed a new contract with @LFC , the hard work continues..?
— harry wilson (@harrywilson_) July 28, 2016
Harry Wilson has an interesting record to his name already. The Reds’ academy winger became the youngest ever player to play for Wales’ senior team, making his senior international debut at the age of 16 in October 2013. Now 19, the player’s progress has somewhat stalled. Wilson will hope that this new contract gives him an opportunity to impress Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp sooner rather than later.