Otavio in action for FC Porto. (imago Images)
According to a report by foreign outlet A Bola via Sport Witness (h/t Liverpool Echo), Liverpool are interested in signing Otavio from FC Porto. Jurgen Klopp has told the Liverpool chiefs that he wants the attacking midfielder at Anfield. The Reds can land the Brazilian for £34million.
But after July 1, his release clause will increase. Otavio has come from the academy of Brazilian side Internacional – the same club Alisson played for during his time in Porto Alegre. And here we see why the 2019/20 Premier League champions should move quickly to get a deal for the attacking midfielder across the line.
Liverpool haven’t had a natural No.10 ever since Philippe Coutinho left. Right now, the club has a plethora of midfielders but none are attacking midfielders in the truest sense of that phrase. Signing a natural No.10 would give Liverpool a new dynamic and Otavio would be a cracking acquisition in that regard.
Jurgen Klopp can use him just behind the striker in the 4-2-3-1 formation that he played a few times when Diogo Jota, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, and Mohamed Salah were all available for selection this season. Apart from that, the Reds are also one central midfielder short in Georginio Wijnaldum.
The Dutch international is on his way to PSG (h/t Sky Sports) after not renewing his deal at Anfield. And that would undoubtedly leave a void that needs to be filled. But that’s the thing with Otavio- the Brazilian can plug in multiple holes in Jurgen Klopp’s team. His versatility is perhaps his biggest asset.
The Porto playmaker can play absolutely anywhere in the attack- as an attacking midfielder, a central midfielder, a wide midfielder, and as a winger. This should appeal to the Reds considering the potential outgoings in the summer.
Liverpool Echo reported last week that Divock Origi, Xherdan Shaqiri, and Harry Wilson could depart the club in the summer. Considering that, signing Otavio would make even more sense for the club. So it is evident that with just one signing, the German manager can add depth to his squad in a lot of positions on the field.
He would also have a number of Brazilian and Portuguese players to help him settle in if he does move to Anfield. Diogo Jota, Fabinho, Alisson Becker, and Roberto Firmino would surely help him around the dressing room. The role of off-field environment that helps a player settle in at the club should never be undermined.
Moreover, Otavio is also just 26 years old, which indicates he has a long career ahead of him. The situation right now seems perfect for Liverpool when it comes to a potential deal for him. If they sign him before July 1, they can manage to get Otavio for approximately £34million.
That figure is believed to increase after that date and rise to £51million. So if the Reds are smart and want to sign a player that can rid Klopp of multiple headaches regarding squad depth, they must rush to get the former Internacional player to Anfield.
