Liverpool have reportedly been told to pay €100 million to sign Gelson Martins from Sporting Lisbon, despite his release clause being €60 million
According to a report by Daily Mirror, Liverpool might have to stump up €100 million to secure the services of Gelson Martins. The Portuguese international has a release clause worth €60 million, but Sporting Lisbon can increase it to €100 million by paying him €1.5 million.
Martins progressed through the ranks at Sporting Lisbon before breaking into the first-team setup in 2015. In over two seasons at Estadio Jose Alvalade, the player has become a pivotal figure for Verde e brancos, while also becoming a full-fledged member of the Portugal National Side.
The current campaign has been highly fruitful for the players, with a respectable return of nine goals and as many assists in 30 appearances across all competitions. His stellar progress has also earned him several admirers, with Liverpool one of his long-time suitors.
Player 7:Gelson Martins- He is one of the fastest players in the world, coupled his immense dribbling ability, at the age of just 22, Martins has a bright future ahead of him. pic.twitter.com/luFHTyf6TY
— Tom (@TantalizingToby) January 10, 2018
The Reds were believed to be in pursuit of Martins last summer as well, before they ended up signing Mohamed Salah, who has been nothing short of an inspired addition for Jurgen Klopp. But, rumours have been rife about Real Madrid being interested in the Egyptian winger, which has left Liverpool in a precarious situation.
Regardless of a possible exit for Salah, which seems unlikely as of now, Martins is a viable target, with the player equally as adept at playing behind the central striker and midfeld as on the wings. Recent reports have suggested that Liverpool have agreed terms with the player over a possible move.
But, they might have to shell out a staggering €100 million instead of his €60 million release clause to secure his services. The report claims that Sporting have the right to cancel out his current clause if they pay Martins €1.5 million, increasing the figure to €100 million.
It now remains to be seen if Liverpool are willing to pay an amount almost double his current release clause, although they have shown that they will not shy to pay the big bucks for a player they believe in.
Any deal is unlikely to take place in the January transfer window though, with Liverpool more interested in signing a playmaker instead of an out and out attacker. But, a summer move cannot be ruled out, and it will be interesting to see if a move sees the light of the day.
