Jesse Marsch’s Leeds United have been linked with Otavio, and the Elland Road faithful will be encouraged to hear one of his compatriots say that the FC Porto star is good enough to play for Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.
He is that good.
Leeds have had a bid of €30 million (£25.75 million) for Otavio rejected, according to a report in Portuguese outlet O Jogo this week.
The 27-year-old, who can operate as an attacking midfielder or as a winger, has been linked with Everton as well, while former Premier League and UEFA Champions League winners Liverpool had an offer for the Portugal international last summer turned down.
Former Porto left-back Pedro Henriques rates Otavio highly, and the Portuguese believes that his compatriot is good enough to play for Liverpool and Real Madrid among other clubs.
Leeds target Otavio good enough for Liverpool
Bancada quote Henriques as saying, as translated by Sport Witness: “Otavio wouldn’t do worse than other players. I’m including from Real Madrid, Manchester City, Barcelona or Liverpool.
“In any of these teams, Otávio would play and wouldn’t play worse than any of the starters, but it’s a good thing for FC Porto that most people don’t think so.
“Clearly there are a lot of distracted people there and that’s good for FC Porto because Otávio is a very complete player and would fit in almost all the best European teams that are the best in the world.”
Could a transfer happen?
In our view, Leeds United would be a better team with Otavio in it.
However, it remains to be seen if the West Yorkshire club will be able to sign the 27-year-old.
The attacker has a €60 million (£51.50 million) release clause, and Leeds may have to pay it or at go close to that figure to sign him.
Otavio made 32 appearances in the Portuguese league for Porto last season, scoring three goals and providing 11 assists in the process.
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