Reported Liverpool target Samuel Chukwueze is excited by the prospect of moving to the Premier League this summer.
Chukwueze has been linked with a move to Anfield, as the Reds seek high-level cover for their forward line. And speaking to Spanish outlet AS, Villarreal CEO Noig Negueroles has admitted that should an offer emerge for the 24-year-old, the La Liga side would consider it.
“Samu is an extraordinary kid who has been with us for many years,” Negueroles said. “It is true that he is excited to play in a big club in Europe or in the Premier League, and we have always worked hand in hand to improve. If this option came, we’d sit down to negotiate it.
“But it remains to be seen if any beneficial offer arrives for all three parties. In this case no offer has yet arrived, and he has one more year of contract. What we have clear is that if something very good does not come, he will continue [at Villarreal].”
Sounds like Chukwueze is very much on the market at the right price.
Villarreal chief drops Chukwueze hint
With just a year left on his contract, it seems possible that Liverpool could get Chukwueze for less than the £29m they reportedly bid for him in 2020 [France Football].
If they could, he has the potential to be a smashing piece of business for the Reds.
Still only 24, Chukwueze has already played over 200 times for Villarreal, and has 28 caps for Nigeria. He’s shown plenty in those games to suggest that he can kick it up another notch in the Premier League.
There are still some inconsistencies in his game to iron out, but at Liverpool he’d have the space to do that.
Naturally left-footed, Chukwueze could be the Mohamed Salah back-up that Jurgen Klopp has never really had. Seven years Salah’s junior, the potential would be there to develop the Nigerian into Mo’s successor.
Whether or not Chukwueze would be enthused by the prospect of playing second-fiddle is a different matter. Excited for the Premier League he may be, but at Anfield he would have to bide his time in a stacked forward line.
Nevertheless, we think there is room to improve Liverpool’s attacking options this summer. For the fee he’s likely to cost, you may not find many better than Chukwueze.
