Jurgen Klopp is getting his summer transfer business with Liverpool done early.
It’s not even June yet and the Reds have already made three new signings, with less than £10 million spent on Joel Matip, Loris Karius and Marko Grujic.
Three players for less than £10m may not be the kind of spending to propel the club back into Europe’s elite but, according to reports in Portugal on Wednesday, Klopp is set to break out the cheque book on a player who impressed greatly during this year’s Champions League.
Porto star Yacine Brahimi is said to be close to agreeing on a £45 million pound transfer to Merseyside, with his deal set to smash Liverpool’s previous transfer record, the £35 million paid to Newcastle for Andy Carroll in 2011.
The less said about that deal the better.
Porto winger Yacine Brahimi is "very close" to sign for Liverpool, who're making a close to €60m offer. pic.twitter.com/UdSaRXZ8es
— Jan Freðrik Hagen (@JanFHagen) May 25, 2016
The Algerian has been linked with several clubs across Europe, including Juventus, so Liverpool may well face some competition yet.
But if Klopp is prepared to spend £45 million on one player it suggests that his summer transfer budget is bigger than many anticipated.
Yacine Brahimi: Has averaged more successful dribbles per game (7) than any other player in the #UCL this season pic.twitter.com/IVQcagekXP
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) May 25, 2016
The 26-year-old scored 10 goals this season in over 45 appearances this season, though renowned Portuguese journalist Jan Hagen feels the price tag is far too high.
Brahimi is extraordinary, perhaps the best player in Portugal, at his best. Too bad he's at that level for only 4-5 games a season.
— Jan Freðrik Hagen (@JanFHagen) May 25, 2016
