Liverpool are reportedly ready to splash €50 million to land Real Betis star Junior Firpo, who has also been linked with La Liga champions Barcelona.
According to a report by Spanish publication Sport, Junior Firpo has another high profile suitor in this summer’s transfer window. The 22-year-old full-back, who has a €50 million release clause in his contract with Real Betis, is being courted by UEFA Champions League holders Liverpool.
Junior Firpo has taken rapid strides since breaking into the Real Betis first-team setup in 2018. In just one year’s time, the 22-year-old has grown in stature considerably and established himself as the first-choice left-back for the La Liga outfit.
In fact, the player missed just one league game when he was fit and available this past season and in the remaining 24 games, he had a handy return of 3 goals and 4 assists. His rapid progress has invariably been noticed, subsequently making him one of the most wanted defenders in Europe. And, the latest in his long list of suitors are Liverpool.
The Reds enjoyed a successful 2018-19 season, narrowly missing out on the Premier League title while triumphing in the UEFA Champions League. But, the Reds now appear to be heading in the direction that Manchester City have taken in recent years and beefing up their squad to sustain their challenge across all four fronts next season.
The left-back slot has emerged as one of the positions that need to be addressed, despite Andrew Robertson forming one of the best full-back pairings in the Premier League alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold this past season. But, with Alberto Moreno leaving as a free agent this summer, Robertson is the only recognised left-back remaining at Liverpool.
As a result, Junior Firpo is a viable target for the Merseyside club to consider. The 22-year-old could even serve a dual purpose as in addition to being a rotation option, and perhaps more, for Robertson, he can also be deployed in more advanced positions on the left flank.
Liverpool though, will have to meet his €50 million release clause in order to sign him this summer. While the report does not explicitly mention whether the Reds are prepared to shell out the figure, what does appear to be certain, as per the report, is that they are seriously considering a summer move. But, with Barcelona also possibly in the fray, Liverpool might have to move a little quickly.
It now remains to be seen if Liverpool pay €50 million to sign Junior Firpo, as they intensify their pursuit of signing a new left-back this summer.
