Liverpool have reportedly set their sights on Gelson Martins, who is set to leave Sporting Lisbon this summer after terminating his contract.
According to a report by Daily Telegraph, Liverpool have registered their interest in signing Gelson Martins in the summer transfer window. The Portuguese winger is one of several players who have terminated their contracts with Sporting Lisbon and are set to leave the club for free.
Martins emanated from the fabled Sporting Lisbon academy, rapidly progressing through the ranks before breaking into the first-team setup in 2015. Over the last three years, the player firmly established himself as an indispensable figure while also becoming a full-fledged member in the Portugal national squad.
He was a mainstay for the Verde e Brancos, having made 52 appearances across all competitions, with 13 goals and as many assists to show for his efforts. However, Sporting Lisbon now find themselves in a terrible mess as a number of first-team players, including Martins, have terminated their contracts with the club following an attack by fans at their training ground.
The fans were believed to be incensed by Sporting’s inability to qualify for next season’s Champions League, and the players are all available for free now. As far as Martins is concerned, the 23-year-old is a target for several clubs across Europe, with Liverpool showing the most concrete of interests.
The Reds, in fact, hold a long-standing interest in Martins, with the player one of the several wingers they have their sights on. Liverpool’s interest in the player does make sense as he will not just boost Jurgen Klopp’s options in attack, but also in more central positions behind the striker – a slot that was supposed to be bolstered by Nabil Fekir.
Thus, in one move, Martins would boost Liverpool’s strength in depth considerably. That Klopp is known to work wonders with young attacking talents could be motivation enough for the 23-year-old to move to Anfield.
But, Liverpool will have to move quickly in negotiations with Martins’ representatives as a potentially bargain deal is attractive to a number of clubs, including the likes of Everton, Arsenal and Tottenham. But, one club that are unlikely to be in the race to sign the winger are Barcelona, who have turned down an opportunity to snap him up.
What is certain is that Martins’ stint at Sporting Lisbon is coming to an end this summer, as soon as he gets the green light to be freed of his contract. Liverpool are placed quite well to swoop him for free and make him the second Sporting player after Rui Patricio to make his way to the Premier League.
