£45m-rated La Liga talent linked with Liverpool comments on future

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Real Betis star Junior Firpo has told TuttoMercatoWeb that he is open to a move abroad, amid reported interest from Liverpool and Italian champions Juventus.

Firpo, 22, broke into Real Betis’ senior side during 2017-18 and has remained a regular since. Last season, he clocked up 29 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals as he operated on the left wing – and at left-back.

Currently representing Spain in the Under-21 European Championships, Firpo helped Spain reach the final of the competition by beating France 4-1 on Thursday night. Liverpool are likely to be watching his progress.

That is because Spanish outlet Fichajes claimed earlier this month that Firpo is  £45million target for the Reds, and his comments after the win over France will have come as an enormous boost for the Champions League winners.

“The market? I don’t think about it, as I’ve said many times before, we’re playing for a very important trophy,” Firpo said. “Playing in Italy in the future? It’s a good championship, there are important and historical teams.

“I also like to experience other countries, but first I want to think about finishing the European Championship.”

TBR’s view – Firpo is class, but do Liverpool need him?

Firpo has shown not only shown quality you would expect of someone in their prime in Spain’s top tier, but he has shown that class in two different positions on the left flank.

At £45million, he is expensive given he is only play 45 times for Betis’ senior side. But the more important question should be, do the Reds even need Firpo?

At left-back, they have one of Europe’s best in Andy Robertson. Out wide they have options, currently boasting Sadio Mane, Xherdan Shaqiri and others. Firpo is a top player, but Liverpool need to strengthen other areas first.