Liverpool are ready to move ahead in their interest in Benfica youngster Nuno Santos as they sent scouts to watch the starlet in the UEFA Youth League.
According to reports in the Portuguese media outlet Record, the Reds’ scouts were in attendance to watch the 18-year-old in action as they continue to keep tabs on his progress at the club.
Santos has already won plaudits for his impressive performances this summer and especially after he scored twice playing as a No. 10 for Benfica youth side, against CSKA Moscow where they won 5-1.
The youngster is yet to make his first-team debut for Benfica but is already a regular for the reserves side of the Portuguese giants who play in the second tier of Portuguese football League.
The scouts had a chance to watch Santos’ abilities once again, as the youngster followed up his brace against CSKA Moscow by scoring the opening goal in the 2-2 draw against Manchester United youth side.
Benfica are no strangers to selling their top players to the Premier League – although they always make it a point to sell them at a price which they feel is right. Recently, we saw goalkeeper Ederson leave them to join Manchester City while defender Victor Lindelof left them to join Manchester United.
It is being reported that Benfica are not averse to letting Santos join the Reds but are looking at a transfer fees of €45m. It wouldn’t require an expert to say that it is too much for an 18-year-old, especially for someone who is untested at the highest level.
However, that is how the transfer market is stacked these days, with astronomical prices the order of the day irrespective of the talents of the players. No disrespect to Santos but he is not yet worth €45m.
The youngster recently renewed his contract with Benfica until 2023 as the club sees him as a player ready for the first-team. The length of the contract puts Benfica in the driving seat and going by their history of negotiations, I don’t see them climbing down on the asking price. I only hope Benfica get some sense of reality and put a realistic number on the table.
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