Liverpool are being linked with the departure of Egyptian international Mohamed Salah, whether it is a contract extension or a free transfer away from Anfield. He will be 33 next year and is unlikely to be a long-term player due to his age, and the club are keen on a successor to Egyptian King.
On the other hand, they are also keen to find youngsters, and this summer they welcomed 16-year-old winger Rio Ngumoha from Chelsea and 17-year-old defender Alvin Ayman from Wolverhampton Wanderers into their academy. The strength of the lower-team is steadily improving, but they are looking at further reinforcements.
According to TeamTALK, three clubs – Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City – have expressed interest in Sporting’s 17-year-old attacker Geovany Quenda. It is also reported that a release clause of as much as £84 million has been set.
The young attacker has been promoted to the first team this season and has earned a place in the starting line-up under Ruben Amorim. He has played mainly as a right-sided midfielder throughout Portugal’s domestic league and the Champions League, and has been on the pitch in 17 matches so far.
He has a good rhythm of dribbling in small bursts, and is able to cross and shoot accurately with his left foot, and is physically fit beyond belief for a 17-year-old, having made two appearances for Portugal’s U-21 national team. He is gaining recognition at home and abroad.
The Portuguese manager, who is set to become the new manager of Manchester United, is keen to bring the young gem to his new club, but the English mega clubs may make the battle for him even fiercer.
Given his first-team experience, £84 million is too much. Unless this release clause is changed, it seems unlikely that either club will make a move for him, but will he defy expectations and make a trip to England a reality…?