Liverpool are monitoring Arnaut Danjuma following his impressive start to life at Villarreal and can sign the winger at any time thanks to a release clause, according to The Athletic.
The Dutchman ditched Dean Court for the Estadio de la Ceramica last summer after two-years at Bournemouth. He joined the Submarino Amarillo for £21m, having played a key role in the Cherries’ unsuccessful attempt to secure an immediate Premier League return.
Danjuma helped fire the south coast side into the Championship play-offs with 15 goals and seven assists in 33 games. He added another two goals in the semi-finals against Brentford.
The Nigeria-born dynamo already boasts nine goals and three assists after 18 outings with Unai Emery’s La Liga side. His haul also includes four goals in the Champions League group stage to help secure a last 16 spot as runners-up to Manchester United by a single point.
Liverpool are one of several European clubs monitoring Danjuma’s stunning first season at Villarreal in view of a transfer. And while his contract with the Submarino Amarillo runs to 2026, it has a €75m (£66m) release clause. Clubs can also pay the break free at any time.
Villarreal can also use the release clause as protection if a club like Liverpool eyes a transfer for Danjuma. Additionally, any moves in the January market are currently not on the table.
Liverpool could rue not pursuing Danjuma deal before Villarreal transfer
Liverpool held an interest in Danjuma before the winger completed his transfer to Villarreal from Bournemouth last August. Marca cited the Anfield natives as a possible rival bidder to the Submarino Amarillo shortly before the Dutchman left England.
Additionally, Voetbal International claimed Liverpool watched Danjuma deliver a stand-out display in Villarreal’s Champions League tie with Manchester United in September. Fabrizio Romano also noted in December the Reds ‘really love’ the 24-year-old Michael Owen lauds.
“He was absolutely exceptional [at Old Trafford],” Owen said on BT Sport. “He plays on that left side and he’s very direct, he can beat players, he can score goals and he comes in and he’s an attacking player and he gave that Manchester United defence a real scare.”
So, Liverpool may be regretting not sealing Danjuma’s transfer last year, given his form and the £45m difference from the fee Bournemouth received and his Villarreal release clause.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
