Ongoing Uncertainty Could Impact Liverpool’s Transfer Activity
Liverpool are reported admirers of Club Brugge wonderkid Antonio Nusa, but could miss out on the Norwegian’s signature due to Jurgen Klopp’s decision to depart the club at the end of the season. Alongside the departure of Klopp, it was also announced that sporting director Jorg Schmadtke would be leaving the club.
According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, the Reds will not be progressing in any transfer activity until there is clarity over their new manager and sporting director. Therefore, Brentford are now the favourites to sign the 18-year-old but Liverpool could also look to strike a deal in the summer.
Who is Antonio Nusa?
Antonio Nusa is an 18-year-old left-winger, currently playing for Club Brugge in the Belgian top flight. The youngster has become one of the hottest prospects on the continent in recent years, with transfer links to some of Europe’s elite.
Despite being so young, Nusa has already racked up 64 senior appearances for the Belgian outfit. Across those appearances, the 18-year-old has scored seven goals and assisted a further four.
His impressive club form has earned him minutes on the international stage, too. Nusa already has four caps for Norway and has even scored his first goal for his country.
Nusa’s current contract at Club Brugge isn’t set to expire until June 2027, meaning the Belgian side still holds a fair amount of power in negotiations. Transfermarkt currently values the teenager at around £15million, but a move would likely cost closer to £25million.
What Would Nusa Bring to Anfield?
Nusa’s stats perfectly summarise his exciting and direct style of play. Averaging 6.51 progressive carries and 4.95 successful take-ons per 90 minutes, he’s a player that can get fans out of their seats.
The Norwegian is also clearly a goal threat, averaging 3.39 shots and 1.28 shots on target per 90 minutes. Despite scoring just seven goals in 64 appearances, Nusa averages 0.46 goals per 90 in the past year.
His style of play reminds me a lot of Luis Diaz, with lots of flair and creativity. He’s got a lot of the raw traits that any manager would want to see in their forwards.
Antonio Nusa: Yes or No?
For the right price, Nusa could prove to be an incredible signing for the Reds. He’s already such an exciting and talented player at such a young age, whilst also possessing a level of potential that is extremely hard to find.
The only potential stumbling block would be the amount of minutes that Liverpool would be able to provide. The Reds already have Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo and even Diogo Jota who can play from that left-hand side.
Therefore, I find it hard to see Liverpool making Nusa a priority in the next transfer window. A defender, midfielder and a potential Mo Salah replacement need to be at the top of the priority list.
Perhaps if an opportunity arises later in the window, Liverpool could make a move in a similar fashion to the acquisition of Ryan Gravenberch last summer.