Liverpool may currently be without a sporting director and a manager for this summer, but they’re already formulating plans for the window.
There are so many question marks over what the off-season market will look like from a Liverpool point for view. But it’s clear that things will carry on working behind the scenes.
With that in mind, O Jogo report that the Reds scouts were present to watch Porto’s 5-0 thrashing of Benfica on Sunday.
Having been linked with the likes of Antonio Silva from Benfica and Alan Varela from Porto, it’s perhaps no surprise to hear of Liverpool’s willingness to take in the game.
But it’s claimed that the Reds were far from being the only side to send talent spotters to the Dragao. Arsenal, Manchester United, Newcastle and Aston Villa are all said to have been in attendance, along with representatives from a number of European clubs.
The game was a memorable one for Porto, with a huge win sending them within six points of their rivals from Lisbon. And Liverpool were reportedly there to see it.
Liverpool witness Galeno masterclass
Although Liverpool seemingly have their eye on one or two players from Benfica, this was Porto’s day.
Even more so, the match belonged to the Dragon’s Brazilian winger Wenderson Galeno. The 26-year-old was the outstanding man on the pitch, scoring twice and providing another assist.
Galeno’s game-defining performance comes on the back of his match-winning turn against Arsenal just two weeks ago.
With Porto’s Champions League last-16 first-leg tie with the Gunners heading into its last seconds, Galeno came up with a moment of magic to win it.
His long-range strike to beat David Raya was described as ‘unbelievable’ by Ally McCoist on commentary for TNT Sports. By the looks of things, Galeno turned things up another notch this weekend.
For the time being, there is nothing to suggest that Liverpool had their eye on Porto’s No.13 specifically. However, they couldn’t have failed to be impressed by the right-footed left winger.
If Galeno continues to stand out between now and the end of the season, then perhaps some links will start to surface in the press.
Along with the two-goal forward, it’s likely that Liverpool will have had their eye on a handful of players from either team.
Silva got the 90 minutes, although it was day to forget for the young defender. Meanwhile, Eagles midfielder Joao Neves is another claimed to be on the Reds’ radar. Porto’s Otavio is one more potentially worth keeping an eye on. Let’s see whether Liverpool were impressed enough to make any moves.