Liverpool could have been handed a transfer boost involving one of their reported targets after comments from his agent.
Rodri Baster, the representative of Wolves winger Adama Traore, hinted that there could still be “a market” for his client despite a likely slowdown in global transfer activity due to financial concerns arising from the coronavirus pandemic, adding that an exit from Molineux remains a firm possibility.
Baster told Spanish media outlet EFE (via Liverpool Echo): “I can’t talk about contractual situations because it’s a private matter, but Adama was having a good season, and with his age, conditions and the fact he’s a very appealing player, there would have been a market for him, no doubt about it.
“If Wolves have no need to sell and receive offers below the valuation that Adama will have in 2021, he will not move. If Wolves understand that they have to sell or they receive an attractive enough offer for Adama, they will end up selling him.”
As noted by the Daily Express this morning, Liverpool are among the clubs closely monitoring the 24-year-old’s situation at Wolves with an eye to a possible transfer bid. Earlier this month, Football Insider had reported that the winger was being viewed by Anfield chiefs as a possible replacement for Mohamed Salah or Sadio Mane if either were to leave the club, adding that Liverpool’s scouts and data analysts reported back to director of football Michael Edwards with glowing reviews of the player.
Following the Reds’ 2-1 win at Molineux three months ago, Jurgen Klopp spoke highly of the winger’s impressive performance that night, saying: “He is unplayable in moments, it’s unbelievable. What a player – it’s not only him but he’s so good.” [via The Mirror]
Traore has contributed six goals and 10 assists for Wolves this season, with an astonishing match average of 5.2 successful dribbles, the most of any player in the Premier League. That is not the only metric for which he can claim to be the best in the English top flight – a report from Birmingham Live noted that his sprint speed of just under 23 miles per hour is the fastest of anyone in the division.
He plays as a right winger for Wolves and there could soon be an opening for that position in Liverpool’s squad if, as touted by the Liverpool Echo, the rarely-used Xherdan Shaqiri departs Anfield in the summer. The Reds had been linked with a possible free transfer for Chelsea’s Willian by Spanish newspaper Sport this week (via Sport Witness), although Liverpool Echo journalist Ian Doyle subsequently tweeted (via @IanDoyleSport) that the 31-year-old is not on the Reds’ wish list.
The admission from Traore’s agent that a move from Molineux is distinctly possible should put Liverpool on red alert to follow up on their reported interest in the player. He has been very productive in the Premier League this season and possesses exceptional pace and dribbling ability. If Shaqiri goes in the summer and Salah is left as the Reds’ only natural right winger, the Anfield club could do a lot worse than to bring Traore on board.
Liverpool fans, do you think it is likely that the Reds will sign Traore in the summer and do you think he would be a good addition? Comment below with your views!
