Ahead of the 2019-20 season, Liverpool could strengthen their squad with a few signings, and one area that they will have to strengthen is the left-back position, following the release of Liverpool’s No. 2 left-back Alberto Moreno.
The Merseyside club are rumoured to be interested in signing Spanish left-back Junior Firpo, who is currently playing for Real Betis.
The 22-year-old full-back will add competition to current left-back Andy Robertson, who has been in phenomenal form for Liverpool.
Spanish outlet Sport have revealed that the English club are keen on bringing the left-back, but also say that Liverpool will have to pay the full release clause of €50 million for Firpo.
Junior Firpo – Profile
Firpo came through the ranks at Betis, playing for the B team between 2015 and 2018, before making his first-team debut in February 2018.
The Spaniard has made 43 appearances for the club in the last two seasons, and has scored 5 goals in the process. In the 2018-19 season, Firpo made 29 appearances for the club in all competitions, scoring 3 times and creating 5 assists for the side.
The young left-back signed his last contract last year which will expire in 2023, and he has a release clause of €50 million. The Dominican Republic-born player has also represented the Spanish U-21 team once after being called up in 2018.
Would Firpo be a good option for Klopp?
If Liverpool are to challenge on all fronts next season, they will need one quality backup option in the squad to cover for an injury or suspension.
With Moreno set to leave the club, the only other first-team player who can play at left-back is James Milner, but Klopp may want someone who is a natural left-back rather than a utility player like Milner.
Firpo would be a great fit under Klopp and his style of play as he is a fast, strong, attacking full-back, who bombs forward at any given opportunity.
The youngster is a good passer and crosser of the ball, and is a strong dribbler as well. The six-foot-tall full-back is also good in the air and closes down opposition attackers and prevents them from getting any space to run into.
The Spaniard has great potential and could become a very good player for Liverpool.
While the €50 million price tag may be on the higher side, Liverpool’s rivals, Manchester City, paid around the same price for Kyle Walker and Benjamin Mendy, so the Reds perhaps need to step it up this summer.
