Breaking Down the Transfer Rumour: Christian Atsu to Liverpool

Liverpool continue to make early moves in this summer transfer window, and the latest reports indicate that they are close to another signing.

Daniel Taylor of the Guardian indicates that the FC Porto winger is a real target of Liverpool's, and that he is moving close to a £3 million move to Anfield. The report mentions a "significant breakthrough" in talks and that "advanced talks" have taken place.

So with a move seemingly imminent, let's take a look at the ins and outs of this potential deal.

Christian Atsu at FC Porto

Atsu is a Ghana international who, at age 21, has been a regular member of Porto's first-team squad for the past two seasons, though not always in the starting XI. He plays mainly from the left wing and is left-footed, as a true direct-style winger, but he can also function from the right, cutting infield.

He managed six goals for his side last season but only one in 17 appearances this term, and he only played the full 90 minutes in the league on one occasion.

Even so, he's highly rated at the club and is seemingly seen as one who could become an important player in the future if he stays.

He's an aggressive attacker who gets forward very quickly whenever possible with the ball at his feet or otherwise. Atsu will run at his marker at every opportunity and look to create danger down the channels, rather than the more creative and subtle approach which Liverpool have looked to play in similar roles up until now under Brendan Rodgers.

Why Such a Cheap Deal?

Atsu is highly rated, but he now only has one year remaining on his contract at Porto.

According to the reports surrounding his possible transfer, he has declined to sign an extension to that contract, so Porto are being forced into selling him this summer.

He is still relatively unproven on the biggest stages, with eight international caps and the same number of Champions League appearances in his career so far. He has potential, but it is unfulfilled at this stage.

What Role Could Atsu Fill at Anfield?

Many fans believe Oussama Assaidi to be on his way out of Liverpool this summer.

Should that be the case, Brendan Rodgers could well view an aggressive, direct winger as another interesting option to have in his squad. Atsu would offer something different from the usual approach that the likes of Philippe Coutinho or Raheem Sterling offer from that left-sided role of the attack.

Both of those two, as well as Jordan Henderson, Luis Suarez and Jordon Ibe, all of whom could play there, are all right-footed and would be more likely to run infield rather than keep the width for Liverpool, as Atsu might do.

It's not likely he would be an immediate member of the starting XI. He would likely have to work hard to even be a substitute considering the attack talents the Reds have been linked with this summer, but he could well be the "alternative weapon" on the left that Sterling can offer from the right.

At £3 million, he could be worth the initial investment for the Reds with little risk involved—other than the potential hindrance to a first-team place for the likes of Ibe and Sterling.

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