Last month, Argentine club River Plate confirmed that Liverpool are interested in signing 'excellent' international full-back Gabriel Mercado, and although a deal seemed dead in the water, a new development over the weekend has seemingly put the Reds back in the race.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp reportedly scouted Mercado during Argentina's recent Copa America victory over Chile (a game in which he scored). Soon after, River Plate President Rodolfo D'Onofrio told reporters:
"Klopp likes him [Mercado]. Winning a title with Argentina would allow him to play in England."
On June 10th, Mercado signed for Liga MX club Monterrey, but over the weekend, the Mexican club released the following statement:
“Gabriel Mercado broke, unilaterally, the agreement [with] our club. The agreement and the negotiations were handled in the time required, but the arrangements have now been dissolved."
It's obvious why Mercado bailed: his stock has risen exponentially over the last few months, so he probably believes he can secure a move to a bigger club. In fact, it's highly likely that Mercado has already struck a deal with another club, and junked Monterrey transfer to push it through.
Could that club be Liverpool? It's possible, but if Mercado hasn't yet signed anything with another club, it means Liverpool have another chance to seal the deal. Some info about Mercado:
* 29-year old right-back, who can also play in central midfield, and as a right-winger. 2 goals in 7 apps for the Argentina national team (both at the 2016 Copa America).
* Mar 2016: FIFA.com Scouting report (excerpt): "Uncompromising defender who is strong in the air and a born winner. Knack of finding the net at vital times".
* Mar 2016: When asked about his goalscoring prowess, Mercado told reporters: "A lot of people think about where the ball’s going to fall and not so much about rebounds. I look at both things and try to anticipate so that I can pounce"
* May 2016: Discussing his future, Mercado noted: "We will see what happens. For now, no one spoke to me or the club. When the time comes, I will analyze what's best".
Worth pursuing?
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp reportedly scouted Mercado during Argentina's recent Copa America victory over Chile (a game in which he scored). Soon after, River Plate President Rodolfo D'Onofrio told reporters:
"Klopp likes him [Mercado]. Winning a title with Argentina would allow him to play in England."
On June 10th, Mercado signed for Liga MX club Monterrey, but over the weekend, the Mexican club released the following statement:
“Gabriel Mercado broke, unilaterally, the agreement [with] our club. The agreement and the negotiations were handled in the time required, but the arrangements have now been dissolved."
It's obvious why Mercado bailed: his stock has risen exponentially over the last few months, so he probably believes he can secure a move to a bigger club. In fact, it's highly likely that Mercado has already struck a deal with another club, and junked Monterrey transfer to push it through.
Could that club be Liverpool? It's possible, but if Mercado hasn't yet signed anything with another club, it means Liverpool have another chance to seal the deal. Some info about Mercado:
* 29-year old right-back, who can also play in central midfield, and as a right-winger. 2 goals in 7 apps for the Argentina national team (both at the 2016 Copa America).
* Mar 2016: FIFA.com Scouting report (excerpt): "Uncompromising defender who is strong in the air and a born winner. Knack of finding the net at vital times".
* Mar 2016: When asked about his goalscoring prowess, Mercado told reporters: "A lot of people think about where the ball’s going to fall and not so much about rebounds. I look at both things and try to anticipate so that I can pounce"
* May 2016: Discussing his future, Mercado noted: "We will see what happens. For now, no one spoke to me or the club. When the time comes, I will analyze what's best".
Worth pursuing?
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