Liverpool are reportedly close to signing Patson Daka from RB Salzburg if reports are to be believed despite West Ham’s interest in the forward.
A report from Zambian Football last week claimed that Liverpool could miss out on Patson Daka with West Ham reportedly favourites to sign the forward for £25million.
David Moyes was reportedly in pole position to sign the sensational forward ahead of interested parties like Liverpool, both Manchester clubs and Arsenal with RB Salzburg looking to earn around £25m from his sale.
The Austrian side signed him for just £225,000 and if they received their reported asking price it would represent an 11,000 per cent return on investment and after the season he’s had it would be deserved.
SALZBURG, AUSTRIA – FEBRUARY 21: Patson Daka of RB Salzburg celebrates after scoring his team’s third goal during the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 Second Leg match between RB Salzburg and Club Brugge at Red Bull Arena on February 21, 2019 in Salzburg, Austria. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Bongarts/Getty Images )
Daka has been sensational in the Austrian Bundesliga this term as he scored 34 goals and assisted 12. A total of 46 direct goal involvements in 42 games.
While playing for a massive club like Liverpool in the Champions League would no doubt be attractive for Daka, West Ham can offer the Zambian something Jurgen Klopp cannot: a guaranteed starting role.
Zambian Football cite West Ham’s UEFA Europa League qualification as something that would interest Daka.
Yet, Liverpool can offer him Champions League football and the chance to win the Premier League at Anfield.
From Liverpool’s perspective, there isn’t a better attacking option out there at £25million that is better suited to play for Liverpool.
SALZBURG, AUSTRIA – FEBRUARY 21: Patson Daka of RB Salzburg celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal with Zlatko Junuzovic (L) and Munas Dabbur of RB Salzburg during the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 Second Leg match between RB Salzburg and Club Brugge at Red Bull Arena on February 21, 2019 in Salzburg, Austria. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Bongarts/Getty Images )
Donyell Malen is a fantastic option at a similar price point but the Dutchman isn’t as versatile with 87% of his games this season coming as a centre-forward while Daka has played around a third of his games on the wing (32.5%).
Even if he arrived as a backup to Roberto Firmino, the Zambian would also be able to cover for Mo Salah and Sadio Mane out wide.
That said, the biggest argument against signing him would be due to his potential AFCON commitments. As it currently is, Liverpool would be resigned to letting Mane, Salah and Keita travel to the international tournament in January and February 2022.
However, Zambia did not qualify so this is not a concern for Liverpool.
Historically, January is a month that tests the resolve of title contenders and it’s a make or break period of the season which, during the 2020/21 season saw Liverpool crumble under the pressure of an injury crisis.
A report from Fichajes claims that Liverpool are close to signing Daka, with only a few small details remaining to complete the move. They claim the move will be made official in the coming days – less than a week after Ibrahima Konate signed for the Reds.
Liverpool Football Club have reached an agreement for the transfer of Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig. (Edit by Bleacher Report)
The Zambian would be an astute signing although there are concerns about losing an entire front three worth of players in Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Daka.
Liverpool would need to make do with just Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota for up to 40 days.
Aside from that, he is a thrilling player and can play anywhere across the front three.
