Liverpool vie Samuel Chukwueze whom Messi admired

Liverpool will target Samuel Chukwueze in the January transfer window, the young prodigy whom Messi praised. The Reds have all eyes on their players who are a part of the AFCON 2022. This explains why they are now in need of players and are interested in making a move for them.

Liverpool have kept their eyes on Villarreal attacker Samuel Chukwueze according to Mirror as he has been impressive. This should not be a surprise knowing the reason why Liverpool are looking for a forward. We know very well that Keita, Mane and Salah are all busy with AFCON duty. Moreover, Origi might also leave if a decent offer arises.

Thus, the Reds might be in need of an attacker not only for the present but also for future prospects knowing the contract situation of their wingers.

Two years back, France Football reported that Liverpool saw their bid of 35 million euros rejected for him. It seems that the Spanish side were holding onto his release clause of 60 million euros.

Long before that, Chukwueze starred at the 2015 U17 FIFA World Cup. He scored seven goals in seven games as Nigeria triumphed as Champions. Lionel Messi got him placed third in his vote for the Kopa Trophy. This award is for players under 21, voted by former Ballon d’Or winners.

The Liverpool target is also being called as “African Lionel Messi”

Former Nigeria assistant manager Nabil Trabelsi said:

Samuel is one of the best players at dribbling. I like calling him Africa’s Lionel Messi, the title that he loves. He is one of the greatest players after Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.

Samuel Chukwueze was away from his Villarreal team for a long time as he suffered an injury. Now he has returned again and hopefully will come back better and stronger. Therefore, there is a lot of unseen potential in this lad.

Samuel is only 22 and Liverpool have looked a lot at him in the past. Even his teammate Arnaut Danjuma is in link with Liverpool and the Nigerian too may make his way to Anfield.

Samuel Chukwueze is a very versatile and agile player capable of playing on either flank. Thus, this is a loud appeal to Liverpool to go for him. The future looks bright for him. He may not be a signing now but is worth keeping an eye on. Moreover, it could also work as a future replacement for either of Mane and Salah.