Liverpool and Manchester United have reportedly made an enquiry for Sporting Lisbon star Pedro Goncalves, also known as ‘Pote’.
According to a report from Portuguese publication Record, Premier League heavyweights Liverpool and Manchester United have made an approach to Sporting Lisbon over the availability of Pedro Goncalves, also known as Pote.
The 22-year-old came through the youth ranks at SC Braga before making the switch to the Valencia U19 setup in 2015. After a couple of years, he arrived on English shores, joining Wolves but managed a solitary first-team appearance before returning to Portugal in 2019, when he signed for Famalicao.
After an impressive debut season with the club, Pote was snapped up by Sporting Lisbon in the summer last year and the versatile attacker has flourished at the Portuguese capital club. In 18 appearances across all competitions, the 22-year-old has netted 12 goals and assisted 3 more, putting himself on the radars of top clubs like Liverpool and Manchester United.
Liverpool strengthened their attacking unit in the summer with the signing of Diogo Jota, who made quite the impact before succumbing to a serious injury. However, with Roberto Firmino enduring an indifferent campaign thus far and uncertainties surrounding the long-term futures of Divock Origi and Xherdan Shaqiri adding more options up top would be a welcome move.
Pote, in that regard, can be a handy addition for the Merseyside giants. While he has been largely used on the right flank this term, the 22-year-old can also play on the left or through the middle as a No. 10. Considering that he is comfortable playing through the centre, Jurgen Klopp could potentially try him in the false-nine role that is currently fulfilled by Firmino as well.
However, Liverpool will likely have to face competition from arch-rivals Manchester United, whose right-wing woes need no introduction. The Red Devils spent the entire summer chasing Jadon Sancho to add to their attacking unit but failed to do so. Instead, they settled on two exciting young prospects in the form of Facundo Pellistri and Amad Diallo.
There has been speculation that Manchester United could consider rekindling their interest in Sancho this year. But, Pote could prove to be a viable alternative for the English international. The 20-time English champions raided Sporting Lisbon last January for Bruno Fernandes, who has been a huge hit at the club. And the club might consider repeating the same trick for the 22-year-old.
However, Sporting are believed to have turned down the enquiries from both Liverpool and Manchester United and have pointed towards Pote’s £53 million release clause, which will need to be triggered if either club wants to sign him. With little to no time left in the January transfer window, a move seems highly unlikely. It will be interesting to see if the Premier League giants act on their interest in the summer.