FC Porto’s Vitinha on the radar of Liverpool

The Porto Vitina midfielder has been linked with a move to Liverpool ahead of the summer transfer window.

FC Porto Venetia

The one-match Portugal international, 22, spent last season on loan with Wolverhampton, playing 22 games in all competitions, scoring a goal. However, he has started only five Premier League games out of 19 and made only one pass along the way, falling behind Ruben Neves, Joao Moutinho and Leander Dendoncker in the standings.

Vitina returned to FC Porto after the end of his loan period and played 38 games so far, scoring three goals and making many assists. As a result, the midfielder has grabbed the attention of clubs like Liverpool and Real Madrid. But the midfielder is categorized around him 40 million euroswhich either club must pay to secure his signature.

Is Liverpool preparing to raid Porto again?

Liverpool were linked with the transfer of Luis Diaz last year but were able to sign him from FC Porto in the January transfer window. Diaz, 25, hit the ground in the Premier League with two goals in six matches, adding more spice and flair to the Reds’ attack.

Given Liverpool’s recent links with Vitina, it appears that Jurgen Klopp has identified the midfield unit as an area in need of improvement in the upcoming transfer window. Klopp failed to bring in a replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum after the Dutch midfielder ran out of contract and joined Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer last summer.

With the likes of Jordan Henderson and James Milner in their thirties, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain expected to leave after frustrated with a lack of playing time and proven hit-and-miss Naby Keita since arriving at Anfield a few summers ago is an exciting new midfielder. Like Vitinha he could become a useful signing for the Merseysiders.

Should the Reds pay €40m for their Vitena?

Vitina made 50 appearances for Porto and won the Portuguese League and the Portuguese Cup. The midfielder is enjoying a rather fruitful campaign, helping the Dragons take a four-point lead at the top of the Liga NOS table after 27 games.

With Liverpool failing to sign a replacement for Wijnaldum, signing someone like Vitinha could fill the Dutch international void in Klopp’s squad due to his passing ability, positional awareness and versatility. The Portuguese has performed in some big matches and could play well at Anfield.

As previously mentioned, Porto value Vitinha at around €40m, and even if they decide to lower their demands, Liverpool may still have to pay more than €30m to sign the central midfielder who struggled to make a huge impact at Wolverhampton last season.

Thus, the Reds should continue to monitor the progress of the Porto star before deciding whether or not to sign him in the summer.