Old favourite prepares to leave as Liverpool open agent talks over blockbuster replacement
Liverpool have reportedly opened talks with the agent of Villarreal star Arnaut Danjuma with the Netherlands winger seemingly emerging as the Reds’ No 1 summer transfer target.
The former Bournemouth man has been turning heads since making the move to Spain. Indeed, his move to El Madrigal was seen as something of a gamble by the Yellow Submarine, given he had little experience of top-flight action to that point. However, in 30 appearances for Villarreal, Danjuma has 14 goals and four assists, earmarking him as a huge talent.
As such, the £21m fee they have paid for him looks to be money extremely well spent.
Indeed, he has been monitored by Liverpool almost since he made that move. And this week, those reports have gathered pace amid a claim he was one of new sporting director Julian Ward’s top targets.
Furthermore, it was suggested the Netherlands winger is wanted by Jurgen Klopp as a possible long-term replacement for Sadio Mane. However, they stated any move for the player was unlikely to take place until summer 2023.
However, Spanish outlet Nacional now reports Liverpool FC are accelerating their plans for Danjuma.
They claim Klopp is desperate to have Danjuma in his Liverpool attack next season. As such, they report Ward has this week already been in touch with his agent.
Aware of their interest, Unai Emery’s side have reportedly responded by placing a prohibitive £50m fee on his head.
However, that is unlikely to dissuade Liverpool, who are seemingly ready to press ahead with their push to sign the star.
Danjuma can play anywhere across the attack
Seemingly, Danjuma’s fantastic performances in the Champions League are impressing Klopp.
Liverpool considering approach for Villarreal winger Arnaut Danjuma
Liverpool are reportedly considering a January swoop for Villarreal's Arnaut Danjuma, with concerns over Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane's AFCON absence in the new year, with more news on Federico Valverde and Marco Asensio.
The 25-year-old has six goals and one assist from the eight starts in the competition this season. And Emery’s side are well placed to reach the semi-finals having edged Bayern Munich 1-0 in their quarter-final first leg. It was Danjuma’s goal too that made all the difference.
However, it is Danjuma’s versatility which will also appeal to Klopp.
The six-times capped Holland star can perform on either flank or as an out-and-out No 9. Indeed, it is in that position where Emery has played Danjuma the most this season – and to devastating effect.
While contract talks remain ongoing for Mohamed Salah, little has been said about the future of Roberto Firmino. Like Salah, his deal expires in summer 2023.
However, widespread reports claim this will be the Brazilian’s last season at Anfield and Firmino will be sold this summer.
Indeed, should Danjuma come in, it will likely be as a replacement for Firmino, rather than an as Salah or Mane’s successor.
