Liverpool have been linked with Armenian midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan. Here is all you need to know.
Having already secured the services of Kolo Toure and Iago Aspas for next season, Liverpool’s transfer business shows no sign of slowing down.
Reports today have linked them with a £22million move for Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan. Having previously been linked with Barcelona, Chelsea and Manchester City, the 24-year-old will have no shortage of offers this summer should he wish to leave the Ukraine.
Here are five facts about the player…
1) Mkhitaryan holds the record for the most goals scored in a Ukrainian Premier League campaign, having scored 25 last season. It is this outstanding form that has prompted interest from clubs across Europe.
2) The Armenian has been voted his country’s Player of the Year three seasons running. He is also Armenia’s second-highest all-time goal-scorer with 10 goals in 36 appearances.
3) Mkhitaryan’s first club was Armenian side FC Pyunik, where he came through the youth ranks before making his debut at just 17. His time at the club resulted in four league titles before he moved to Ukrainian side Metalurh Donetsk in 2010. He was also named Metalurh’s youngest ever captain when he was just 21.
4) He has previously been described by football pundit Pat Nevin as “phenomenal”. Talking of Mkhitaryan’s performances last season, the former Chelsea player added, “He has pace, skill, a rocket of a shot and the ability to arrive in the box like Frank Lampard.”
5) The attacking midfielder has experience at the highest level, having played every minute of Shakhtar’s most recent Champions League campaign. He also scored both goals in the club’s 2-0 win over Nordsjaelland in the group stage.
So what do you think? Would he be a good signing for Liverpool?
image: © Vincent Teeuwen
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