According to a recent update courtesy of Marca, due to complications with Barcelona’s interest in striker Lautaro Martinez, Liverpool are one of a handful of big clubs who could be ready to poach the forward from under Quique Setién’s nose – with sporting director Michael Edwards reportedly ‘in a position‘ to swoop.
Martinez, who has bagged 11 Serie A goals for current club Inter Milan this season and 25 strikes overall since he signed at the San Siro, is currently seen as a viable target for Real Madrid, Man United and the Reds if Barcelona fail to land their man.
Should Liverpool sign Martinez as a Werner alternative?
Yes, star in the making
No, far too expensive and unrealistic
Indeed, as per this report, Liverpool may consider Martinez as a potential alternative to Timo Werner – who has recently become a favourite to join Chelsea following Fenway Sports Group’s stance on paying the German’s release clause.
Marca claim that the Martinez-Barca transfer saga has become a ‘soap opera‘, with a move for the Argentine seemingly having the potential to upset squad players.
This report states that players may be asked to make a sacrifice to fund this big money move, something that would undoubtedly upset a portion of the squad.
The politics surrounding a potential swoop has complicated the Catalans’ attempts to sign Martinez, with Marca going on to suggest Liverpool are lurking in the background along with United and Real.
However, the 22-year-old’s price tag may be a huge obstacle considering our previous stance on Werner, especially given Martinez is apparently valued at around €100 million (£89 million) – nearly double the RB Leipzig striker’s release clause.
Even though it seems unlikely that the Reds will swoop at this point, Martinez as an alternative to Werner should at least be considered – with the South American averaging more shots per game on average than any Liverpool player in the league according to WhoScored.