Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp sanctioned a £30 million move for Samuel Chukwueze during the winter transfer window, Soccernet.ng understands.
According to a France Football report, La Liga side Villarreal rejected a multimillion-pound offer from the Reds in January for the Nigeria Football Federation’s Young Player of the Year for 2017/18.
Klopp is desperate to replenish Liverpool ranks with Swiss forward Xerdan Shakiri no longer seen as a capable alternative to star man Mohammed Salah.
The German manager apparently identifies Chukwueze’s pace, trickery, and close control as attributes that can make the Anfield giants even better.
It’s suggested the Premier League leaders offered £30million for the talented Nigeria winger, who has scored four goals and provided four assists this season for the Yellow Submarines.
Chukwueze, who models his game after former Real Madrid Arjen Robben, was named by UEFA.com as one of the 50 youngsters to watch in world football.
He was a part of the Nigerian squad that claimed a bronze medal at the Africa Cup of Nations hosted in Egypt. He scored his first senior goal in Nigeria’s 2–1 win over South Africa in the quarter-finals.
Liverpool are expected to return in the summer with an improved bid for the highly-rated youngster.
The 20-year-old has also received interest from Chelsea and reportedly has a £55m release clause in his current contract that expires in 2023.
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