Portugal duo Bruno Fernandes and Gelson Martins will have wanted a strong World Cup.
Liverpool may be looking at potential signings at this summer’s World Cup, though two of their reported targets haven’t exactly dazzled in Russia.
The Reds have tied up one new signing this summer in midfielder Fabinho, but the failed pursuit of Lyon forward Nabil Fekir means that playmakers and wingers may be on Jurgen Klopp’s radar.
Before the World Cup, The Mirror reported that Liverpool were rivalling Tottenham Hotspur for Sporting midfielder Bruno Fernandes, with the Liverpool Echo noting that the Reds could pursue Sporting winger Gelson Martins too.
Heading into the competition, Fernandes had racked up 16 goals and 20 assists for Sporting, whilst wide man Martins had impressed similarly with 13 goals and 13 assists for his club – but their situations changed earlier this month.
Both players decided to terminate their contracts with Sporting after an attack from their own fans at the club’s training ground, and that made them both hot properties heading into the World Cup with Portugal.
However, neither have impressed at the World Cup, which was their stage to attract suitors this summer. Fernandes played 68 minutes in an uninspiring display against Spain, picking up a booking in the process, and he has played just 20 minutes in the last two games, whilst Martins hasn’t started at all for Portugal making one 31-minute-long substitute appearance.
Some Liverpool fans may be left wondering why Klopp is interested, but as much as signing a player based off their World Cup displays can be dangerous, so can snubbing them for the same reason.
Fernandes is a creative midfielder with a real eye for goal who could fit in well alongside Naby Keita and Fabinho, whilst Martins’ pace makes him ideal cover and competition for Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah, and Klopp should remain keen to sign both players for free this summer.
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