Liverpool are reportedly set to battle it out with rivals Chelsea and Manchester United for the signing of Villarreal winger Samu Chukwueze in the summer.
According to an exclusive report from Caught Offside, as many as three Premier League bigwigs, in Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United, are intent on securing the signing of Villarreal speedster Samu Chukwueze in the upcoming transfer window.
Chukwueze started out at the Diamond Academy back in his homeland, Nigeria, before signing for Villarreal in the summer of 2017. After a year with the club’s Under-19s and the reserves, the 21-year-old was bumped up to the first-team and he has not looked back since. Till date, the winger has made 119 appearances for the Yellow Submarine, scoring and assisting 17 goals apiece.
Chukwueze has enjoyed a promising 2020/21 campaign as he has contributed with five goals and eight assists in all competitions, helping Villarreal to the finals of the UEFA Europa League which goes down later this week. And, the 21-year-old speedster’s progress at El Madrigal has alerted a host of top clubs across Europe, with Manchester United being one among them.
Analysing the chances of Manchester United securing their priority targets | THT Opinion
Manchester United are in need of a wide player heading into the new season as they look to address their long-standing right wing issues. While Mason Greenwood has done well in the position, his future lies as a centre-forward while Amad Diallo is just making his way into senior football, thus necessitating the addition of another winger who could make an impact immediately.
Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho remains the top priority for Manchester United, but they are keeping their options open, with Chukwueze emerging as a target. But, the Red Devils will likely have to contend with competition from their arch-rivals Liverpool, as well as Chelsea, in the race to sign the 21-year-old Villarreal ace.
Chelsea’s interest in the Nigerian comes off as a bit puzzling, given the plethora of attacking riches available at Thomas Tuchel’s disposal. However, it must be noted that the big summer signings – Hakim Ziyech, Kai Havertz and Timo Werner just have not been consistent enough over the course of the season, whereas Christian Pulisic and Callum Hudson-Odoi have failed to nail down a spot either.
Bringing in Chukwueze would, thus, add more quality and depth, while also increasing competition in the squad, which would push the others to step up as well. As for Liverpool, the Reds will need to bolster their attacking unit after what has been a sub-par 2020/21 campaign for the likes of Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino.
In addition to that, the likes of Takumi Minamino, Xherdan Shaqiri and Divock Origi are all staring at uncertain futures heading into the summer transfer window, making it a matter of critical importance that Jurgen Klopp bring in a new face to add to his attacking options.
Chukwueze, to that end, can be a handy addition for Liverpool, as well as their rivals Chelsea and Manchester United. And, the aforementioned report also claims that the 21-year-old would be open to a switch to a bigger club despite being happy at Villarreal. He has a release clause worth €80 million embedded in his contract and it remains to be seen if any of the interested parties make a move come summer.
