Liverpool saw first hand what Tottenham linked Bruno Fernandes can do.
Jurgen Klopp spoke calmly last week when asked about Bruno Fernandes’ performance against the Reds in a friendly.
Fernandes had scored one and created another for Sporting in a 2-2 draw.
Klopp was asked about the possibility of Fernandes joining Liverpool’s rivals Manchester United, and whether they themselves would get involved.
He was quoted by The Echo: “If he will do that then we will face him. He’s obviously a really good player. They have already a few really good players, so that will probably make them stronger.”
Now Tottenham Hotspur are reported by Portuguese broadcaster RTP to have held talks over signing Fernandes.
Liverpool can’t afford to be as relaxed about that, as they were about the possibility of him heading to United.
Tottenham showed last season they can aspire to be Liverpool’s equal, facing them in the Champions League final.
Their signing of Tanguy Ndombele was a statement that Spurs want to catch Liverpool in the Premier League too. Fernandes would push them even closer.
From this perspective, Spurs are a more dangerous team for Liverpool to let Fernandes slide to at present than United.
And Liverpool, without a big signing so far this summer, and still lacking a replacement for Coutinho, should make their move to sign Fernandes, who scored 31 goals from midfield last season.
They are seemingly not planning to do so, but Tottenham’s interest could be the trigger for them to reconsider.
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