Jurgen Klopp is looking to add to the Liverpool squad with a bid for Portuguese forward Rafael Leao this summer.
What’s the word?
FSG are plotting a bid for the 22-year-old AC Milan maestro and, according to Italian newspaper La Repubblica (via Milan News), Liverpool are one of the clubs interested in signing him.
Although Newcastle are believed the frontrunners due to their recent takeover and the ability to splash the cash, the Reds could offer much more in terms of potential success.
The £60m-rated gem wont come cheap, and Liverpool will have to spend big in order to secure his signature.
Liverpool’s Thierry Henry
The “extraordinary” player, as described by San Siro legend Zvonimir Boban, has been in wonderful form for AC Milan this season as they are aiming to end an 11-year wait to win the Serie A title.
The left winger has played 39 times so far this term and scored 13 goals whilst supplying seven assists in all competitions, a solid return from the youngster.
Former Juventus midfielder Alessio Tacchinardi believes that Leao is in a similar mould to ex-Arsenal icon Thierry Henry, and those comparisons are accurate, with the 22-year-old sharing the Frenchman’s explosive pace and ability to score and set up goals in almost equal measure.
Henry gradually shifted from the left wing into a more central role, especially when he joined the Gunners, and Klopp may have similar thoughts for Leao, especially when January signing Luis Diaz is performing exceptionally well out wide for the Reds.
The prospective signing of the Portuguese gem could be a masterstroke for Klopp and Liverpool. Also, with Roberto Firmino slowly getting on a bit and his goal return dropping this season, a change could be mooted in the centre of the attacking three.
FSG could be on to something special once more if they seriously pursue a mooted bid for the precocious Leao, who can take great heart from being compared to a Premier League legend in Henry.