Despite signing Cody Gakpo from PSV in the Eredivisie, Liverpool has been linked with a £44 million move for a Villarreal forward next summer
Samuel Chukwueze, a Villarreal winger, has been linked with a move away from The Yellow Submarines, with Liverpool reportedly keen.
According to the Spanish publication Fichajes, Liverpool are among the clubs interested in Chukwueze and West Ham, Everton, and Arsenal.
Chukwueze has been with the Spanish national team since 2017, when he was taken in as a 16-year-old. He advanced from their B side to the first team and has been a constant ever since.
The Nigerian, who plays on the right wing, has had a rough 2022/23 season, scoring no goals in 13 games. He had seven goals and three assists in all competitions last season.
According to the Fichajes report, Villarreal are willing to sell the 23-year-old for more than £44m ($53m/€50m), albeit his release clause is somewhat higher at £56m ($67m/€63m).
Lionel Messi voted him third for the Kopa Trophy, an accolade for players under 21, voted on by former Ballon d’Or winners, although Chukwueze’s career has yet to truly take off after some early promise.
Given that Liverpool recently spent a large sum of money on PSV Eindhoven winger Cody Gakpo, it remains to be seen whether the Reds will return to the market in January for another forward.
However, given that Roberto Firmino has entered the final six months of his deal, Chukwueze is still an option for the summer. When asked about Firmino’s future during his news conference on Thursday, Jürgen Klopp was unequivocal, insisting that he wants to keep the Brazilian and offer him a new contract.
Firmino’s contract expires at the conclusion of the season, therefore it remains to be seen whether he will extend it. If he leaves, another forward should be signed, but Chukwueze has probably not done enough to deserve such a high price.
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