According to Spanish publication OK Diario (h/t Daily Star), Liverpool have made contact with Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior.
19-year-old Vinicius has enjoyed a successful spell with the La Liga giants this season, scoring four goals and assisting three times in 28 games. Injuries to Eden Hazard and Marco Asensio had opened the doors for Vinicius, who switched to Madrid from Flamengo back in 2018.
It has been a breakthrough season for the young Brazilian, who made 19 La Liga appearances this term compared to his 18 in the last season. However, with Hazard and Asensio now back in the squad after their return from their respective injuries, Vinicius’ position is once again under jeopardy.
To date, he has featured 59 times for Madrid across all competitions and has 7 goals and 15 assists to his name, giving a fair idea of the talent that he is.
A guaranteed first-team start at Liverpool looks far from a reality for Vinicius due to the sensational form of wide forwards Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah.
The two wingers have been arguably Liverpool’s best players in recent times and are manager Jurgen Klopp’s obvious first-choice players in the side. However, with the Africa Cup of Nations scheduled to kick start in January next year, Liverpool are set to lose their most coveted stars for at least six weeks.
This has prompted the club hierarchy including manager Klopp to look for reinforcements, and talented youngster Vinicius fits the bill perfectly. Apart from Mane and Salah, Liverpool have two more wingers – Xherdan Shaqiri and Harry Wilson.
However, Shaqiri and Wilson face an uncertain future at the club as of now, with the duo being the subject of transfer speculations in recent weeks. That said, Liverpool’s interest in Vinicius makes complete sense. Hence, a move for young Vinicius seems like the safest option for Liverpool at present.
The uncertainties regarding the future of Shaqiri and Wilson remain a cause of concern for Liverpool and it would be best for them to rope in a talented youngster like Vinicius. He can also be a back-up for main men Mane and Salah and can offer Klopp plenty of options in the attack next season if a move occurs. Hence, they should not waste any time but quickly sign him and land him at Anfield.
