Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp could have his attacking ranks improved by the signing of a highly rated goalscorer after the Reds ‘presented’ their project to him, according to reports.
Liverpool already have strong attacking options, with the club recently splashing out an initial £37million – plus £13m in add-ons – to sign Cody Gakpo from PSV. The Dutchman, who signed a long-term contract at Anfield, made his debut in the 2-2 Carabao Cup draw with Wolves on Saturday.
Gakpo is not the only new forward to arrive at Liverpool this season. They spent a club-record £85m to capture Darwin Nunez from Benfica.
The Uruguayan has been incredibly entertaining to watch. He has missed plenty of big chances but also put away some great goals for Liverpool this season. His record stands at 10 goals and three assists from 23 matches, though he could have had closer to 20 goals if he had buried some of his huge opportunities.
Klopp can also rely on Mo Salah and Roberto Firmino, while Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota are recovering from injury. Despite this wealth of forward options, Klopp might be able to use another goalscorer in the future.
According to Sport Witness, who cite Norwegian outlet TV2, Liverpool are interested in snapping up a player who has been dubbed as ‘the next Erling Haaland’. This would be brilliant for Liverpool considering for Haaland’s incredible form for Manchester City – 27 goals in just 22 games, to be exact.
The player in question is Norway U19 international Andreas Schjelderup, who currently plays for Danish side FC Nordsjaelland at club level.
Schjelderup is a left winger who can also play as a centre-forward or central attacking midfielder if required. Despite being only 18 years old, he has been ripping up the Danish top flight this season.
Attacker putting up great numbers at current side
10 goals and one assist have come his way in 17 Superliga matches, which explains the comparisons with Haaland. The City ace, who is a compatriot of Schjelderup’s, netted 20 goals in 50 appearances for Molde in Norway. He then got a big opportunity by joining Red Bull Salzburg.
The report claims Liverpool have begun the process of trying to sign Schjelderup. They have apparently ‘presented’ Klopp’s project to the teenager, in a bid to convince him on a switch to Anfield.
However, due to Schjelderup’s blistering form, Liverpool are not alone in wanting to land him. Fellow Premier League side Brentford have also begun targeting him.
Like Liverpool, the Bees have made contact with Schjelderup and his agent and put forward their own project.
Liverpool, Brentford target may go to Portugal
Liverpool and Brentford could miss out on the Nordsjaelland star to Benfica, though. Chiefs from the Portuguese club will soon travel to Denmark to ‘seal the deal’ with their Nordsjaelland counterparts.
Nordsjaelland had been hoping to keep him for the full campaign. But Benfica are willing to stump up the right amount of money to reach an agreement this month.
Liverpool and Brentford clearly represent exciting opportunities for Schjelderup. However, he is thought to be ‘determined’ to join Benfica. This is because he views Benfica as the best next step for his development.
Schjelderup going to Benfica over Liverpool and Brentford does make sense. Moving to the Premier League at such a young age could put too much pressure on him and resultantly affect his progress.
The Portuguese top flight is not as competitive as the Prem. Therefore, Schjelderup should get more game time, while also being able to continue getting among the goals.
As shown by the likes of Nunez, Enzo Fernandez and Ruben Dias, Benfica are great at developing young players into high-quality stars. As such, there is a good chance Schjelderup will impress if he moves to Portugal, before potentially going to Liverpool at some point in the future.
Source: teamtalk.com
