Transfer News: Liverpool told nine-figure release clause for signing Portugal U-21 midfielder

Liverpool told to fork out £104million to land Benfica star Florentino Luis

According to Portuguese outlet O Jogo (h/t The Liverpool Echo), Liverpool will have to fork out £104million to land Benfica sensation Florentino Luis.

The 23-year-old has been with the Portuguese giants since 2010 and has since risen through the ranks. Loan spells at AS Monaco and Getafe over the last two seasons have done him a world of good. Luis is today a regular for Benfica and is developing into a key part of the first team.

Roger Schmidt’s side are top of the league and Luis has played a massive role in their success. Luis has made 18 appearances for the club across all competitions, making one assist.

The Portuguese youth international recently extended his contract at the Estadio da Luz until 2027. Add to it his mammoth £104million buyout clause and it is clear to see that Benfica hold the aces in any negotiations.

Luis is yet to make his senior debut for Portugal. If he continues to perform as he has so far, he might make the cut when Fernando Santos picks his team for Qatar. While it is still a tall ask, injuries or a loss of form among rival players could give him an opening.

It is no secret that Liverpool were interested in bringing in a midfielder last summer. Their pursuit of Aurelien Tchouameni

A defensive midfielder, Luis is an excellent tackler, adept at winning back possession. His ability to break up play and retain control of the ball will make him a valuable addition to the Reds roster.

However, activating the release clause will make the 23-year-old Liverpool’s record signing. While he certainly has potential, the Portuguese youth star is yet to attain the status of a world-class midfielder.

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Liverpool are in dire need of a central midfielder going forward. Thiago Alcantara, Jordan Henderson and James Milner are all growing older by the day while Fabinho’s form has dropped off the cliff.

Jude Bellingham remains the dream, but Jurgen Klopp and co will need more than one player to shore their ageing roster. Luis certainly has the potential to become an Anfield favourite. It remains to be seen how or if the Reds will make a move to land their man.