Eurosport’s Dean Jones reports that Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City are all interested in Sporting’s Nuno Mendes after his fantastic breakout season.
The Portugal international has been a key player for Sporting this season, helping them open up a seven-point gap at the top of the Liga Nos table. His performances from left-back have earned 20 league starts.
Eurosport claim that the left-back has a €70million release clause in his contract and Man City are interested as Pep Guardiola, despite spending an unreasonable amount of money on fullbacks, is keen to sign a new left-back.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JULY 02: Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City hugs Jurgen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool prior to the Premier League match between Manchester City and Liverpool FC at Etihad Stadium on July 02, 2020 in Manchester, England. PHOTO BY VICTORIA HAYDN/MANCHESTER CITY FC VIA GETTY IMAGES.
Liverpool, Real Madrid and Manchester United are also mentioned as clubs that are keeping an eye on Mendes. Still just 18, there are huge expectations for the Sporting star, who Dean Jones describes as a “modern attacking full-back” with “so many of the attributes that many top clubs look for”.
While Mendes is undoubtedly a top talent, it seems unlikely that Liverpool are serious about signing him this summer.
The priority is a centre-back not to mention the fact that Andy Robertson still has that left-back role locked down for the next four years at least.
While Kostas Tsimikas has had terrible luck with injuries this season, suffering three separate injuries, he’s still an option for Klopp and will likely feature a lot more next season. The Greek defender has made just six appearances.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 07: (THE SUN OUT,THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Kostas Tsimikas of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield on February 07, 2021 in Liverpool, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Injuries have shaped Liverpool’s 20/21 season but hopefully they’ll have better luck next season and can challenge for the Premier League title again.
