Jacobs has handled his situation ahead of the summer, and the third-place World Cup finisher for Croatia has succeeded in the Bundesliga.
Despite the fаct that Gvardiol’s £98 million release clause won’t become effective until 2024, Jacobs has identified him as one of Liverpool’s top targets after a difficult season.
The good news for Liverpool is that contrary to speculations, the player, who is 21 years old, is keen to play in the Premier League and has not said yes to Real Madrid. Gvardiol and Chelsea nearly came to an agreement in the past, and he would likely be a good long-term replacement for the ailing Thiago Silva.
Liverpool to get Josko Gvardiol?
“Liverpool are tracking Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol, who Chelsea almost pre-agreed a deal for last summer,” Jacobs said.
“The Croatian scored against Manchester City in the Champions League and is attracting plenty of interest, including from Pep Guardiola’s side as well as Real Madrid and PSG. There is a £98m buyout clause, but it doesn’t become active until summer 2024.
“I am told Gvardiol wants a Premier League move and the notion he’s ‘picked’ Real is incorrect. He’s also on record as saying Liverpool are his “dream club” because he watched many of their games with his dad when younger.”
In general, Jacobs says FSG are ready to back Jurgen Klopp to make the changes he needs this summer, with Jude Bellingham and Matheus Nunes also some of the big names in the club’s sights.
He added: “How аggressive Liverpool can be in the market will depend on whether they qualify for Champions League football and the volume of outgoings.
“But FSG are prepared to back Klopp. Their commitment to the club remains as strong as ever with John Henry confirming he’s looking for investment but not an outright sale.”
Liverpool scouts impressed after watching 19-year-old defender recently, they’d love to sign him
Liverpool scouts were impressed by Colombian defender Kevin Mantilla during the recent South American U20 Championship.
Mantilla emerged at Santa Fe last year, becoming a first team regular at just eighteen. Now nineteen, the centre-back was one of his country’s star performers during this month’s tournament in his homeland.
And now as per Tuttomercatoweb, his displays could well earn him a move to Europe. The Italian outlet claim that ‘top’ teams from Greece and Portugal are already circling the youngster. Furthermore, Torino are said to be working quickly to fend off the competition.
And then there’s Liverpool. The Reds have reportedly in fаct been keeping tabs on Mantilla for ‘some time.’ The recent championships appear to have sealed the deal though, with Liverpool claimed to have had ‘only positive reports’ of the defender.
There is a catch, though. Unfortunately, it’s claimed that Brexit rules make it complicated for Mantilla to move to the Premier League. The 19-year-old reportedly doesn’t have the score needed to make the jump from Colombia.
Liverpool recognizing South American treasures
We adore the notion of Liverpool foraying into the South American market actively. It’s time for them to follow in the footsteps of several of their Premier League opponents who have done so with remarkable success.
The rules pertaining to Brexit seem to be the sole problem in this situation. But why can’t Liverpool sign Mantilla if Chelsea can recruit 18-year-old Andrey Santos directly from Vasco da Gama?
Although his reputation has grown, the defender would undoubtedly be inexpensive. He could be groomed into a future possibility even though he would likely be undeveloped and perhaps not ready for the Reds right away. Liverpool may allow Mantilla some time to settle in gradually as they get ready for life without Joel Matip.
It beats allowing talented players from the continent go to Portugal and then signing them for £50 million to £60 million two or three years later.
Young players from South America clearly have a lot of potential. If Liverpool learns how to bring them in, they can save themselves millions of dollars.
They would have saved a fortune if they had earlier taken a chance on players like Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez. Maybe Diaz’s presence will persuade Mantilla just enough to reject other approaches as they start pursuing another Colombian treasure.