Liverpool are interested in signing Real Betis defender Junior Firpo, according to Sport.
The Spanish publication claim that Jurgen Klopp is interested in the left-back as cover for Andrew Robertson and a replacement for the released Alberto Moreno.
Sport reports that La Liga giants Barcelona have also enquired about the Spanish youth international, who has a release clause of £45million.
Firpo has a contract until 2023 at the Benito Villamarin Stadium, and Betis will reportedly only accept an offer that matches the 22-year-old’s buy-out clause.
The defender, who is also eligible to feature for the Dominican Republic, has featured 29 times for Betis this season.
OPINION
There is no doubting that Liverpool will need to go into the transfer market to add some strength in depth in their defence. With Moreno leaving the club, and players such as Nathaniel Clyne and Dejan Lovren facing doubt over their futures at Anfield, Klopp’s options could become thin quite quickly. Robertson has quickly become an integral part of the Reds’ squad, especially in attack, with him and Trent Alexander-Arnold supplying 23 assists last season. A move for Firpo would be a risk for one factor – his price. The Betis defender offers real pace in wide areas and there is no doubt he would offer great cover to Robertson, but will Klopp want to spend the reported £45million release clause for a player he couldn’t guarantee first-team football? Firpo only started 58% of matches in La Liga for Betis, and that percentage would no doubt drop should he move to Merseyside. The fact that Barcelona also hold an interest proves the youngster’s talents, and it could be worth the risk – but only if Klopp commits to giving him a fair shot at earning a place in his side.
