Liverpool are reportedly amongst the clubs interested in a January move for Las Palmas midfielder Alberto Moleiro.
The Lowdown: Moleiro profiled
The 19-year-old midfielder has made 14 appearances for Las Palmas in the Spanish Segunda Division this season, providing three assists, and has already made 53 senior appearances overall despite his young age.
A versatile attack-minded playmaker, he has been dubbed ‘the next Pedri,‘ by some of the Spanish press, as the Spain international also came through the ranks at Las Palmas and plays with a similar technical style.
Moleiro laughed off any such suggestion, hinting that he is more aggressive on the ball than the Barcelona star.
“I think we are different. He is more conservative with the ball and I am a little more daring, that’s why I also lose more balls than him,” the teenager stated in September.
The Latest: Liverpool interested
According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are seriously interested in the youngster, but Liverpool are among the many top clubs monitoring his progress.
Real Madrid, Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund are also keen on a move for the player according to the report, and there will be stiff competition for his signature.
Moleiro has a release clause of around €30m (£26m), but this will double should Las Palmas achieve promotion.
The Verdict: Klopp should look elsewhere
Given the stiff interest and the substantial price tag for a player who has never played top-flight football, Liverpool should focus their attention elsewhere.
Reinforcements in midfield are desperately needed for Klopp, but more proven and experienced players should be the priority.
Harvey Elliott and Fabio Carvalho are two teenage prospects in the attacking midfield role who can become top-class in the future, but players who can make an immediate impact are more urgently required.
It seems Moleiro is more likely to prefer a move within Spain, given the success of Pedri at the Nou Camp, and given that his current manager is former Barcelona coach Garcia Pimienta, the links between the two clubs may mean other clubs stand less of a chance at securing their breakthrough talents.
“Moleiro has magic. He is surrounded by great footballers who know how to handle it and he is giving an excellent level,” Pimienta recently stated.
“I would like to think it’s a clear Barça profile, although we’re talking about big words,” he added when asked if the wonderkid suits his former club.
The Reds may face a losing battle by continuing to pursue the teenage sensation in 2023.
