Liverpool are among the clubs in contention to sign in-demand FC Porto midfielder Vitinha in the coming summer.
A recent report from Record, as relayed by Sport Witness, has offered an update on the future of Vitinha. The FC Porto midfielder is loving life upon his return to Portugal, but he could be set for a move to the Premier League next season amid interest from top English clubs, including Liverpool.
The Reds are said to be closely following the progress of Vitinha, who is keen on sealing a return to England in the coming summer. He is going to cost a fortune, though, with FC Porto valuing him at around €40 million.
A central midfielder by trade, Vitinha spent last season on loan to Wolverhampton Wanderers. However, the spell didn’t go all too well for the player, who could only muster five starts in the Premier League all season, falling behind Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho in the pecking order.
Wolves had an option to secure his services permanently last summer for a fee of just €20 million. But Vitinha could cost a lot more than the amount this year, thanks to his blazing performances at FC Porto this term.
Upon his return to Estadio do Dragao, the 22-year-old has become a lynchpin for the FC Porto midfield under Sergio Conceicao. He has made 23 league appearances this term, with his contributions proving to be critical in helping the Dragons keep a firm six-point lead over defending champions Sporting CP in the league standings.
Liverpool have enjoyed immense success doing business with FC Porto in January, bringing in Luiz Diaz. The Colombian superstar has hit the ground running upon his move to England, and the Reds are hoping for a similar level of success with Vitinha.
The 22-year-old is likely being considered as a potential alternative to another top midfield target in Aurelien Tchouameni, who could prove to be too expensive for the Merseysiders. Vitinha himself is unlikely to be available for a cut-price deal either, though, with the midfielder having two and a half years remaining on his contract.
As mentioned earlier, FC Porto value the player at around €40 million, and even if they opt to lower their demands, Liverpool may still have to cough up in excess of €30 million to sign the midfielder that had struggled in the Premier League last term.
It could ultimately force Jurgen Klopp to consider other alternatives in the market, with the German reportedly keeping an eye on Gavi, whose contract at Barcelona expires at the end of next season.
