Liverpool are reportedly the first-choice destination for Porto’s Otavio but his €40million release clause is set to increase to €60million on July 1st.
While Georginio Wijnaldum played mostly as a no.8 for Jurgen Klopp, he arrived from Newcastle United as a goalscoring attacking midfielder.
It wasn’t until he moved to Anfield that he became conservative on the ball and prioritised looking after it over getting into the box to score or assist.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MAY 07: Georginio Wijnaldum of Liverpool scores his team’s third goal during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final second leg match between Liverpool and Barcelona at Anfield on May 07, 2019 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
The role he played for the Reds was used as a stick to beat him with but his performances for the Netherlands prove just how good he really can be.
Otavio to Liverpool for €40million?
I haven’t seen the Brazilian 26-year-old linked with a move to Merseyside before but it seems as though his chance to join Liverpool on the cheap could go begging.
According to the print edition of Correio da Manhã, via Sport Witness, there are a few clubs interested in signing Otavio this summer with Liverpool credited with an interest in the player.
Fiorentina and Valencia are also said to be keen on signing the Portuguese star but Klopp apparently has the upper hand, as per the newspaper.
PORTO, PORTUGAL – JULY 28: Otavio of FC Porto during the team presentation prior to the pre-season friendly match between FC Porto and Newcastle at Estádio do Drago on July 28, 2018 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
They say that Liverpool are the ones who ‘most seduce’ Otavio even if he sees a move to either Valencia or Fiorentina ‘with good eyes’.
Crucially, Correio da Manhã says that he has an exit clause worth €40million that will expire in six days before it increases to €60million.
Is this a deal that makes sense for Liverpool?
At €40million (£34.2m), it could be an unexpected but unique move from Liverpool and he would certainly add a skillset to Klopp’s side that is currently unavailable.
FC Porto’s Brazilian midfielder Otavio celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Champions League Group C football match between Olympiakos and FC Porto on December 9, 2020 at the Georgios Karaiskakis stadium in Piraeus. (Photo by LOUISA GOULIAMAKI/AFP via Getty Images)
In Henderson, you have leadership and drive. In Fabinho, you have ball recovery and steel. In Thiago, you have the ability to dictate tempo and the composure to resist the press.
In Otavio, Klopp would have attacking output from midfield but also a player that can play as a forward
He got 5 goals and 12 assists this season which is drastically higher than any of Liverpool’s midfielders.
