Liverpool are reportedly facing still competition from China in their pursuit of charismatic SL Benfica striker Raul Jimenez
Spanish publication Marca have reported that Liverpool are set to face competition in their pursuit of SL Benfica striker Raul Jimenez. The Mexican forward has been chased by the Reds, who are looking to bolster their frontline, but face competition from an unnamed Chinese Super League club.
Raul Jimenez arrived at SL Benfica from Atletico Madrid in a €22 million move in August 2015, and has since taken the Liga NOS by storm. The 25-year-old Mexican has recorded a return of 5 goals and 1 assist in the league this season in 10 matches, and has been prolific in other competitions as well.
Liverpool are truly in need of reinforcements to their attacking roster. Sadio Mane is away at African Cup of Nations and is unlikely to be back before February, at the very least. Elsewhere, Daniel Sturridge has been struggling to remain injury-free for an elongated period of time.
Divock Origi has shown signs of promise but with Jurgen Klopp and his Liverpool side very much in the title race, the German is looking to add a seasoned and in-form striker to the ranks to bolster their title challenge. And in line with the need, Liverpool have been linked with a move for Raul Jimenez.
But as it stands, Raul Jimenez is the latest of the stars plying their trade in Europe to be at the receiving end of interest from China. An unnamed Chinese Super League outfit is eyeing a deal for the 25-year-old and are prepared to meet SL Benfica’s demands of a fee around the €50 million to land the Mexican striker.
However, Marca have reported that Jimenez is not entirely convinced of a move to China at this point of his career, with the player entering the prime phase of his footballing career. However, Liverpool are unlikely to meet SL Benfica’s valuation of close to €50 million for Jimenez.
Liverpool may look elsewhere at other options if Benfica do not lower their demands or meet the Reds somewhere in between. The Reds have been linked to other strikers like Sardar Azmoun, Andrea Belotti, Leonardo Pavoletti and Moussa Dembele among others.
It will be intriguing to see how this transfer story pans out in the end. But one thing is certain, SL Benfica is unlikely to budge or lower their demands much with the player’s deal set to run till 2020.
