Liverpool linked with a transfer for the ‘next Cristiano Ronaldo’: A smashing move?

Liverpool are keen to sign Benfica attacking midfielder Joao Felix, it has been reported.

The Reds, along with Premier League rivals Chelsea and Manchester United, have already sent scouts to monitor the Portuguese starlet’s progress, according to TalkSPORT.

Liverpool will have to fork out a massive £105 million for Felix, as the Portuguese side rate him highly.

Felix has been compared to Cristiano Ronaldo because of his style of play, and has already done pretty well in the Liga NOS despite his tender age.

Joao Felix – Factfile

Felix was promoted to the Benfica senior team in the summer of 2018 and has hit the ground running in the Portuguese top flight.

In 12 Liga NOS appearances, Felix has already managed six goals and three assists and has been a key player for the team.

The 19-year old has been deployed as a right winger, a left winger, an attacking midfielder, and a secondary striker, but has managed to keep his performance levels up which is a testament to his ability to adapt to different positions on the pitch.

What would Felix add to Liverpool?

Jürgen Klopp lives a player who can play in more than one position and Felix is no different. At 19, he might not become an instant hit at Liverpool if he moves to the club in the summer, but Klopp knows how to chisel a talent.

The recent examples of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez should suffice, but if you’re looking for young attacking midfielders doing well under Klopp, there are the examples of Mario Götze and Marco Reus as well.

Liverpool’s attack is one of the best in Europe if not the best, and someone like Felix would not only add more depth, but can improve the team in the longer run as he still only a teenager.

Felix has a good burst of pace, and likes taking on players in the attacking third, which will excite the fans.

The Premier League is a bit rough, so Felix will have to work on his physique, but players like Philippe Coutinho and Eden Hazard have shown that you don’t always have to be a physical specimen to succeed in the league.

Felix has good balance about him, and the way he moves on the pitch does remind you of a younger Ronaldo, so it’s no surprise that he’s hot property in the market right now.

Benfica’s asking price is pretty steep, but if Liverpool can negotiate a cheaper fee for him, he’d be a smashing addition.