Liverpool could move for one of their midfield targets after sustaining injuries in midfield – is it finally time to move for Matheus Nunes?
The Reds are now without Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Curtis Jones, Thiago and Naby Keita – with the first three out for at least another month.
With the fans demanding some midfield reinforcement, the club could turn to long-term target Nunes who is contracted until 2026 at Sporting.
Is it finally time to move for the £49M-rated midfielder?
Between Matheus Nunes’ dribble to set up the goal and Nuno Santos’ shot, this goal is a thing of beauty. pic.twitter.com/BbMEsxkYPr
— Zach Lowy (@ZachLowy) August 7, 2022
Why Nunes?
A player that Pep Guardiola called ‘one of the best players in the world‘ has been attracting attention for the last few seasons.
A unique midfielder, Nunes is a gifted dribbler and progressive player which is reflected in his stats which show he’s above the 95th percentile for take-ons completed and fouls won, according to Squawka.
He also ranks in the 82nd percentile for pressures per 90 with 22.68 and in the 99th percentile for dribbles completed – he would be a demon in Klopp’s midfield with his all-action displays.
“Currently, Matheus Nunes is one of the best players in the world.”
Pep's words. 😉#SquawkaScout pic.twitter.com/aSWPCHSCIE
— Squawka (@Squawka) August 8, 2022
Defensively his biggest strength is his pressing, but he also registers in the 72nd percentile for clearances as well as offering 2.13 tackles, 1.59 interceptions and 1.42 blocks per 90 as well.
Still only 23, he started 31 games in the league last year as Sporting took the title, and would offer reliability and youth.
Signing him would give Liverpool that extra depth but also that extra quality that could start in the big games.
He stands out as one of the best in the Portuguese league currently and Liverpool have already signed Luis Dias and Darwin Nunez in the last seven months so we could see them re-visit that market.
Latest reports on the signing
It was reported by Jornal de Noticias that the Reds want to lure the midfielder, who is valued at €59M (£49M).
A recent report from Correio da Manha states that Nunes will wait for Liverpool to play in the Champions League and compete for silverware.
This followed a report from A Bola that claimed he had rejected an €11M contract from Wolves. Sporting have also reportedly lined up Estoril’s Andre Franco as a replacement – (O Jogo)
The player is keen, the release clause is there – it’s just whether Liverpool want to move for a player who would most likely be a resounding success on Merseyside.
