Liverpool have made inquiries regarding the contract of KRC Genk star Konstantinos Karetsas, who rivals Everton are also in talks to sign.
The Reds are yet to bring in a direct replacement for Mohamed Salah, given that Victor Muñoz, who won the World Cup with Spain, is primarily a left winger, but Karetsas is capable of playing on the right and has played there regularly throughout his career so far.
However, the Greek attacking midfielder is best suited to play centrally in a number 10 role and proved himself as a top playmaker last season, registering 11 assists in 28 matches in the Jupiler Pro League during the regular season.
His 66 chances created are the most in Genk’s team, and he ranks first in terms of successful dribbles per 90 with an average of 2.4. For reference, the only Reds team to perform better in this metric was Rio Ngmoja, who averaged a whopping 4.9.
Karetsas also had two goals and five assists in 11 games in the Europa League, which is a very impressive return considering he is still very young and suggests he could be able to make an immediate impact in the Premier League, where clubs are lining up to sign him.
Liverpool enter race to sign Konstantinos Karetsas
TEAMtalk reports that Liverpool remain in contact regarding the starlet’s situation at Genk, while rivals Everton are also in talks.
Leeds United, Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion are also keen to sign the Genk player, but Borussia Dortmund are in pole position in the race to sign him.
However, the Belgians are said to have resisted with a bid of 35 million euros (about £30 million), having turned down Germany’s initial bid of 26 million euros (about £22 million).
Why Liverpool and Everton need to sign Konstantinos Karetsas | |
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liverpool | Liverpool have had a relatively quiet summer so far, with their only signings so far being Jeremy Jacquet and Muñoz. But Andoni Iraola will need to strengthen his attack power after losing Salah, who scored an astonishing 257 goals and provided 123 assists in 442 games during his time at Anfield. Of course, Karetsas is still relatively inexperienced, but scout Ben Mattinson suggests he is a “special” player who could be used on the right wing. |
everton | Meanwhile, Everton have been active in the transfer market with the arrival of Tyrik George, who can play on both wings, from Chelsea. However, given David Moyes’ side have yet to lock down Jack Grealish on a permanent deal, another new forward may be needed. Moyes already has Iliman Ndiaye on the right wing, but back-up option Tyler Dibring did not impress much during his debut at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, playing just 350 minutes in the Premier League. |
