Liverpool must now lodge a bid for Joao Felix this summer if a worrying rumour coming from Anfield is true.
What’s the story?
Well – according to Gazzetta dello Sport – Inter Milan are in talks to sign Roberto Firmino ahead of the Brazil international’s contract expiring in June.
Jürgen Klopp does not have another forward like the South American, whose ability to drop deep, link the play and drag opposition defenders out of position helps the likes of Mohamed Salah out tremendously.
If Liverpool lose Firmino, then the Reds must submit a bid to sign Felix from Atlético Madrid.
The Portugal international is currently on loan at Chelsea, although the Blues do not hold an option to buy him on a permanent basis this summer – Spanish outlet Relevo believe a sum of £88m may be enough to sign him.
Felix is arguably the most similar forward to Firmino in Europe.
As seen in his three appearances for Chelsea so far, the 23-year-old is exceptionally talented when it comes to dropping deeper in a No.10 role to collect the ball, while also having the nous to sniff out space in the box.
Klopp has been testing Cody Gakpo out in the Firmino role of late, and while the Netherlands international has performed well in that area, Felix is capable of taking things to another level.
Even if Liverpool fail with an £88m bid for the Atlético Madrid outcast, they must at least try to get him.
Liverpool could tempt Joao Felix
In our view, Liverpool could lure Felix to Merseyside based on some past comments.
The Portuguese sensation – who rejected Manchester United in January, according to The Athletic – has previously told CBS Sports that he enjoys the passion of Anfield, and likes to play inside a stadium full of noisy supporters.
When asked to compare Anfield to Atlético Madrid’s Wanda Metropolitano, Felix said: “The passion, I think, is the same. It’s a little bit different in Anfield because the people are closer to the pitch, but the passion is the same.
“I like to play in a full stadium with passionate fans.”
The on-loan Chelsea No.11 fuelled rumours that he supports the Reds after he was spotted in the Liverpool end for the Carabao Cup final win at Wembley last season.
Hopefully, Liverpool make a move for Felix this summer – he would be ideal for Klopp’s attack.
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