Liverpool’s assistant manager Pep Lijnders has dropped a huge hint about Ruben Neves’s potential transfer.
Jurgen Klopp has been a long-term admirer of the Portuguese International Ruben Neves. The former Porto midfielder was strongly linked with the Reds on a couple of occasions before, but the club decided to back out at the last moment for no reason whatsoever.
Neves, 21, arrived from Porto for a club record 15.8 million in summer 2017, and helped them gain promotion to the Premier League. The Portuguese International has a contract until 2022 with Wolves, but it would take nearly £100 million to lure him away from Molineux in the forthcoming window.
Portuguese outlet O Jogo went to Liverpool’s Melwood training ground to speak with Klopp’s assistant Lijnders, who was a Porto coach between 2008 and 2014.
“(Laughs) I know him very well, his ambition, his passion for the game, his professionalism…I know what he gives to the team and this type of players always interest us,” Lijnders said.
“I recognised him when I saw him at Wolves. I saw technique, professionalism; I saw the 2013/14 player I knew.”
Asked if he had contact with Neves, Lijnders replied: “Yes, it was a special moment. He’s a man, he’s got a wife, a baby… It’s good to see my boys.”
Lijnders could use his experience before and lure him to Anfield in the forthcoming summer window. Liverpool have already spent more than 100 million in shaping up the midfield with the transfer of Fabinho and Naby Keita to the club. It is unlikely to see the Reds spend a hefty sum on the deep-lying midfielder as the team has been crying out for an attacking midfielder which would unlock opponents’ defence.
Despite those claims, Neves’ versatility and utensil would help Liverpool in various midfield positions. The Reds do not players who are capable of scoring from outside the box, and he could prove to be a pivotal member should they land him in the near future.
Neves has been subject to interest from the Manchester clubs, with City particularly keen on signing him after missing out on Fred and Jorginho, though reports suggested that he could cost 100 million.
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Liverpool have a huge week ahead as they prepare to take on FC Porto in the first leg of the Champions League Quarterfinals followed by the Premier League clash against Chelsea at Anfield on Sunday.
