Liverpool enter race for £30m star with Everton holding talks to sign him
Liverpool have been linked with the signing of KRC Genk star Konstantinos Karetsas, with rivals Everton also holding talks.
The Reds are yet to replace Mohamed Salah directly, because Victor Munoz, who won the World Cup with Spain, is a left winger, but Karetsas can play on the right, having played on that side regularly throughout his career so far.
However, the Greek midfielder is best suited to play centrally in the No.10 role, where he proved to be a standout player last season, picking up 11 assists in 28 Jupiler Pro League games during the regular season.
The number of 66 chances created was the highest in the Genk squad, and he also ranked first with 90 successful dribbles, an average of 2.4. For reference, only Rio Ngumoha does better in that metric in the Reds squad, averaging a whopping 4.9.
Karetsas has registered two goals and five assists in 11 Europa League games as well, a very impressive return, considering he is still so young, and suggests he could make an immediate impact in the Premier League, where clubs are lining up to secure his signature.
Liverpool enter the race to sign Konstantinos Karetsas
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Liverpool have been in touch over the star’s situation at Genk, but rivals Everton have also held talks.
The likes of Leeds United, Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion are also interested in signing the Genk man, but Borussia Dortmund have now entered the race for his signature.
The Belgian club are said to be holding out for 35 million euros (£30m) however, and rejected the German club’s opening bid of 26 million euros (£22m).
|
Why Liverpool and Everton need to sign Konstantinos Karetsas |
|
|---|---|
|
Liverpool |
Liverpool have had a quiet summer so far, with Jeremy Jacquet and Munoz the only arrivals so far. However, Andoni Iraola will need to strengthen his attack, after losing Salah, who scored 257 goals and provided 123 assists in 442 games during his time at Anfield. Of course, Karetsas is still inexperienced, but scout Ben Mattinson has suggested that he is a “special” player, capable of being deployed on the right. |
|
Everton |
On the other hand, Everton have been busy in the transfer market, with Tyrique George, who can play on both sides, arriving from Chelsea. However, given that David Moyes’ side are yet to sign Jack Grealish permanently, another new striker may be needed. Moyes already has Iliman Ndiaye on the right wing, but the option to back up Tyler Dibling didn’t look good when he campaigned on his debut at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, playing 350 minutes in the Premier League. |
