Jurgen Klopp’s men have one leg in the finals of the Champions League this season but the manager is already planning for life next season and is looking at potential transfer targets who can improve his squad for the upcoming campaign.
One such player, exciting many Liverpool fans is Wolves star, Ruben Neves.
Neves On Liverpool’s Radar
A transfer target for the Reds even before he moved to England, Neves has earned great reviews from Pepijn Lijnders, the former first-team development coach at Anfield. Lijnders wanted Neves at Liverpool even before Klopp was appointed and it is now understood that the German tactician is also impressed with the Portuguese ace for a move this summer.
The story comes from the news outfit FourFourTwo, who claim to have a source close to the clubs. The story claims that Neves’ representatives were in England last week for advanced talks over a move to Liverpool from Wolves so is he a decent option for the Reds?
Who Is Neves?
The 21-year old, who joined Wolves just last summer, has been crucial in Espirito Santo’s side making it into the top flight for the next season. He has six goals and an assist in 40 Championship starts this season, and five of those goals have come from outside the box, with each a moment to savour.
He has been used at the heart of the midfield in a 3-4-3 system at Molineux and has been one of the most impressive players in the league this season. Known for his composure and ability to produce path-breaking passes on a regular basis, Neves is the youngest player to captain a side in the Champions League, a feat he achieved with FC Porto.
At his age, he has already gathered loads of experience and though is yet to play in the English top flight, has shown that he has what it takes to compete at the highest level and is a decent coup for Liverpool.
Where Does He Fit Into Klopp’s Plans?
The Reds lost Philippe Coutinho and have to replace his creativity in the midfield. But they are on the verge of losing Emre Can on a free transfer, which will push them into the transfer market, in search of more than one midfielder for the first team next season.
While Naby Keita will solve one of those problems, Liverpool will need a defensive minded midfielder, who can help provide some resistance to the backline and Neves fits the bill well. His understanding of the game and his attitude on the field will make him an effective midfielder in Klopp’s system and his technique and ability to convert defence into the attack will make Liverpool a better side.
The Reds are interested in the likes of Jorginho and Aaron Ramsey as other options but Neves and his previous experience might make him the best fit for Liverpool.