Transfer Signing News: Liverpool agreed in signing Lucas Ocampos
Liverpool are interested in Lucas Ocampos but also have Wolves’ Pedro Neto and Noni
Madueke of PSV on their radar this summer.
According to Fichajes, Liverpool are considering Sevilla star Luis Ocampos as an option to
reinforce their attack this season.
The Merseysiders have gotten off to an excellent start, winning their first two games in the
Premier League with two clean sheets to boot. Despite dominating the games from start to
finish, Jurgen Klopp is keen to dip into the transfer market before it slams shut on August
31.
The German is keen to bring in another attacker who could help him rotate his frontline with
more ease. In Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Diogo Jota, Klopp has four
excellent options to call upon. However, adding another name into the mix will give
the Reds the depth they need to fight on multiple fronts.
This is all the more apparent given Xherdan Shaqiri’s exit and Divock Origi’s loss
of form. According to the report, Liverpool are looking at three players, Sevilla’s
Ocampos, Wolverhampton Wanderers star Pedro Neto and PSV Eindhoven hotshot Noni Madueke.
Of the three, Ocampos appears to be the preferred option but landing the Argentine is easier
said than done.
The 27-year-old, once considered amongst Argentina’s best prospects, has carved out a niche for
himself in Andalusia. Moving to Sevilla in 2019 has helped him rekindle his career and
also make his senior bow for Argentina.
Primarily a winger, Ocampos is capable of playing anywhere along the frontline. This
augurs well for Liverpool, who deploys a front three capable of interchanging their positions
at will. Ocampos isn’t just a good dribbler but also cuts in neatly to drive inwards.
A capable finisher he could find himself at the end of numerous opportunities should he
move to Anfield.
The Reds create several chances but have been let down by their finishing. Ocampos could
certainly thrive in the environment and even potentially kick his career up a notch. The
27-year-old is also capable defensively and will fit into the Liverpool system of defending
from the front.
Also capable of playing in midfield, the South American could drop back into the middle of
the park when needed, even potentially functioning in a free role. Ocampos is not guaranteed
a starting spot in the Reds lineup and could potentially be an issue in getting a deal
over the line. Whether he is willing to play a supporting role at Anfield over a starring
role for Sevilla remains to be seen.
Of the three players in contention, Neto could be the best option and is also proven in the
Premier League. Unfortunately, he is out injured till at least February and will do Liverpool
little good this season. At 21, Neto is an outstanding talent who could thrive under
the right guidance. Regardless of who Liverpool sign this year or not, they will do well to
return for the Portuguese ace in a year’s time.