Liverpool soar into race for £30m star who Everton have held talks to sign
Liverpool have made contact over the signing of KRC Genk star Konstantinos Karetsas, who rivals Everton have also held talks for.
The Reds are still yet to bring in a direct replacement for Mohamed Salah, given that Victor Munoz, who won the World Cup with Spain, is primarily a left-winger, but Karetsas is capable of playing on the right, featuring on that side regularly throughout his career to date.
However, the Greek attacking midfielder is most suited to playing through the middle in the number 10 role, where he proved himself as a top playmaker last season, picking up 11 assists in 28 Jupiler Pro League matches during the regular season.
A tally of 66 chances created was the highest in the Genk squad, while he also ranked in first place for successful dribbles per 90, averaging 2.4. For reference, only Rio Ngumoha performed better on that metric in the Reds’ squad, averaging a whopping 4.9.
Karetsas registered two goals and five assists in 11 Europa League matches too, which is a very impressive return, considering he is still very young, and suggests he may be able to make an immediate impact in the Premier League, where clubs are queuing up to secure his signature.
Liverpool enter the race to sign Konstantinos Karetsas
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Liverpool have been in contact to be kept informed about the starlet’s situation at Genk, but rivals Everton have also been holding discussions.
The likes of Leeds United, Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion are also keen on signing the Genk man, but Borussia Dortmund have now entered pole position in the race for his signature.
The Belgian side are said to be holding out for €35m (£30m) though, and they turned down the German side’s opening bid of €26m (£22m).
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Why Liverpool and Everton need to sign Konstantinos Karetsas |
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Liverpool |
Liverpool have had a relatively quiet summer thus far, with Jeremy Jacquet and Munoz the only arrivals to date. However, Andoni Iraola will need to strengthen his attack, after losing Salah, who racked up a whopping 257 goals and 123 assists in 442 matches during his time at Anfield. Of course, Karetsas is still relatively inexperienced, but scout Ben Mattinson has suggested he is a “special” player, who is capable of being deployed on the right-wing. |
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Everton |
Everton, on the other hand, have been more busy in the transfer market, with Tyrique George, who is capable of playing on both wings, arriving from Chelsea. However, given that David Moyes’ side are yet to tie down Jack Grealish on a permanent basis, another new forward may be required. Moyes already has Iliman Ndiaye at right-wing, but back-up option Tyler Dibling was less than impressive during his debut campaign at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, featuring for just 350 minutes in the Premier League. |
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