The Reds have endured a season of mixed performances with their fans being on an emotional roller coaster for the last three months. Having one game in hand and still a point ahead of Arsenal, their 4th place position almost seems to finalised, which means they would be eligible for the Champions League play-off.
It is not news to the fans that the Liverpool have struggled without their star player Mane upfront this season. Daniel Sturridge, who had been a sensation for the club couple of seasons back, has seen his form decline drastically with several injuries plaguing his playing career.
On the other hand, Coutinho is being circled by bigger clubs, many foreseeing an imminent departure for the Brazilian sensation in the summer. Amidst such circumstance transfer rumours linking 26-year old Sampdoria forward, Luis Muriel, with Liverpool would not come as a surprise.
The current market value of the Serie A man has been estimated to be around €17m. But as per reports, Sampdoria have reportedly asked the Reds to pay up the release clause of the Colombian Forward which is valued at £24m (or €28m).
Player Stats
Muriel has impressed many with his skills on the pitch. His speed, dribbling ability and passing along with superb ball control have drawn many Football Pundits to compare the Sampdoria man with Brazilian Striker Ronaldo de Lima. Let’s have a look at the player’s stats:
- The 26-year old has made 30 appearances in Serie A with 24 1st team starts.
- The Colombian has scored 12 goals in all competitions for the club and has also provided a total of 5 assists. This goes to show the man doesn’t shy away from goals and also has the vision and creativity to create chances in the final third.
- The player has a 70% pass success percentage in the League with a total of 44 key passes.
- The Colombian is a notorious speedster upfront and could easily give nightmares to his opposition defenders. (Source: WhoScored)
What’ll he offer the Club?
It’s a known fact the Jürgen Klopp likes to play with lethal speed up front. So far, Mane and Coutinho has been doing that job with precision for Klopp.
But with Coutinho’s future in doubt, Muriel would be an ideal replacement for the club.
Even if Coutinho was to stay, the addition of Muriel would add good pace and vision, combined with creativity upfront, making the trio a force to be reckoned with. With a solid right foot and raw acceleration, the Serie A man could just be the right antidote to all of Klopp’s problems upfront.
Worth the Money?
With the asking price of €28m the Columbian sensation would be a gamble that Klopp would have to take. But if he manages to extract the best out of him like he has done from Mane and Coutinho, he would prove to be well worth the price. And with the potential that Muriel has already showcased, one can only believe that he would develop further under the guidance of the German.
But does the German go all out for the Sampdoria man is something we would have to wait and watch.
