Las Palmas president Miguel Angel Ramirez is confirming Premier League interest in Alberto Moleiro as Liverpool and Aston Villa reportedly chase the so-called ‘new Pedri’, speaking to Marca.
Both Jurgen Klopp and Unai Emery may be keeping a very close eye on an enthralling title race in the Spanish second tier. Las Palmas are currently second. But there is only one point separating them from Segunda leaders Eibar, and four from Deportivo Alaves in fifth.
Moleiro, their fresh-faced talisman, has a £25 million release clause in his contract. That, however, will rise to £50 million if Las Palmas bring an end to their five-year absence from La Liga.
According to Mundo Deportivo, both Liverpool and Aston Villa are happy to pay that £25 million fee for Moleiro. It is far less certain, however, if either club would be willing to stump up double presuming the Spain U21 international guides Las Palmas to promotion.
Liverpool and Aston Villa like Alberto Moleiro
Martinez, meanwhile, admits that there is indeed Premier League interest. Clubs in Spain and Germany are also teen sensation who has contributed eight assists to the Canaries cause from his favoured attacking midfield role.
“He is a great footballer,” the president says. “All the big clubs pay attention to and follow this type of footballer. He has possibilities both in Spain, in England and even in Germany.
“For us, he will be an important footballer. It will be good for him to play with us in the first division. If UD Las Palmas manages to earn promotion, we have to tie down Moleiro.”
Moleiro, like Pedri, made his name on the Canary Islands; his eye-catching maturity and outrageous technique marking him out as a truly special talent. Barcelona have shown an interest in pairing Moleiro with their diminutive number eight at the Camp Nou. Though Ramirez wonders if the club’s well-publicised financial problems could scupper Moleiro’s hopes of a big-money switch to Catalonia.
“Last summer, there was an agreement in principle. But then things could not be done,” says Ramirez. “I know that Barca like the player. He is in a shop window where big teams in European and Spanish football are keen.
“With Barcelona, after the summer, we haven’t spoken about Moleiro again. They told me they were going to follow him, but obviously we haven’t spoken about him again.”
Aston Villa, The Athletic say, are making Moleiro one of their leading transfer targets ahead of Unai Emery’s first summer at the helm. Emery also likes Athletic Bilbao duo Nico Williams and Inigo Martinez.
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