Liverpool Transfer News: Huge Andrea Belotti Buyout Fee, Latest Reds Rumours

Liverpool are reportedly ready to stump up £20 million next summer in an attempt to secure the signing of Torino forward Andrea Belotti.

That’s according to Calciomercatoweb (h/t James Cambridge of the Daily Express), who suggested the Reds and Arsenal are in for the 22-year-old striker, although Liverpool are ready to make the first move with the aforementioned offer.

However, a bid of £20 million may not be enough to land Belotti. According to Alessandra Stefanelli of Tuttomercatoweb.com, Torino are to extend the striker’s contract until 2021, and in doing so, the club will boost his release clause to a whopping €60 million (£54 million).

Belotti has enjoyed a fine start to the Serie A season with the Turin club, netting five goals already; his form recently earned a call-up to the Italy national team.

Here’s a look at why there’s so much buzz accompanying the Torino starlet:

It’s easy to see why Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp would target the striker. Not only has he caught the eye with some brilliant finishing already this term, Belotti is a hard worker, shutting down defenders when they have the ball and never shirking a physical challenge. In a team that presses high up the pitch, he’d be an ideal frontman.

Bleacher Report UK took a look at how Belotti could be a long-term option for the Italy national team up top:

Torino would not want to let a player of his calibre depart, and with that in mind, it would be no surprise if they were to protect their asset by enhancing his release clause. However, should Arsenal or Liverpool come calling, the player would find it difficult to turn down a move.

Liverpool are not short of options up front, with Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi, Danny Ings and even Roberto Firmino capable of leading the line. However, Belotti would potentially be an upgrade on all those forwards and a perfect player for Klopp’s brand of football. 

Liverpool Consider Fabian Schar

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According to Marc Williams of the Daily Star, Liverpool are considering moving for Hoffenheim defender Fabian Schar in the January window.

It’s suggested the centre-back is rated at around £9 million, although Klopp will reportedly find it tough to convince the Bundesliga side to cash in on one of their key men. Inter Milan are also said to be admirers, while Arsenal’s previous interest is also noted.

The 24-year-old is an experienced defender, having featured at major tournaments for the Switzerland national team, and with his previous club Basel, he played in the UEFA Champions League.

Here is a look at what he’d bring to Anfield:

Given the amounts of money that were spent during the summer window, £9 million would represent fine business for a defender who has a lot to offer. Schar is forceful in his defensive duties, calm on the ball and a threat from set pieces too.

While Liverpool have looked a little shaky in defence at times this term, their centre-back partnership of Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip has flourished in the main.

Per Bleacher Report’s Karl Matchett, the latter has brought a sturdiness to the Reds’ back four since joining:

It’s in reserve where Klopp may feel as though reinforcements are needed and why Schar could well be an astute capture.

Ragnar Klavan has done well when stepping into the side, although Mamadou Sakho remains marginalised at this juncture, meaning Lucas Leiva is likely fourth-choice centre-back for the time being. Should Hoffenheim be open to a sale, Schar would add vital depth to this facet of the field.