1 Apr 2017

Next Suarez? Liverpool make contact to sign 'phenomenal' €60m striker who idolises 'Ronaldo'

Liverpool are reportedly back in the race to sign one of Colombia's most exciting attacking players.

According to an alleged exclusive from Italian newspaper Tutto Mercato:

"Liverpool are interested in signing Colombian striker Luis Muriel, and have Sampdoria for information about him".

Transfer timeline:

* Jul 2013: The Express claiming Liverpool considered Muriel as a potential replacement for Luis Suarez.

* Feb 2014: Brendan Rodgers allegedly transfer target for the summer. wanted to sign Muriel, and sent scouts to watch him on two separate occasions.

Some info about Muriel:

* 25-year old striker, who can also play wide. Contract expires: 2019.

* Sampdoria/Udinese: 69 goals/assists in 147 apps (One every 122 mins).

* This Season: 21 goals/assists in 31 apps (One every 109 mins).

* Injuries: Missed only 11 games since 2014.

* Sep 2014: Udinese owner Giampaolo Pozzo insisted: "He [Muriel] has a price. €20m euro for a striker of great worth is nothing. He is worth €60m, like Cavani"

* Aug 2014: On his idol: "If I were to do 50% of what [Brazilian] Ronaldo did, I’d be a happy footballer. They tell me that I have his explosiveness but I don’t see similarities".

* Antonio Di Natale's assessment: “Make a note of the name Luis Muriel. He’s got all the qualities needed to become a phenomenal striker”.

As he's in his mid-20s, Muriel is the right age for a move to the Premier League, and his career progression so far is arguably a model for all young players to follow: incremental progression through the ranks during his early '20s rather than prematurely jumping ship for a massive club.

A belated replacement for Luis Suarez?



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