Both the Blue and the Red half of Merseyside have been linked with a move for Raul Jimenez. The Benfica striker is attracting interest from Everton who are looking to replace Romelu Lukaku, on the verge of completing his transfer to Manchester United and have reportedly made a ridiculous £40m bid for the player, which is close to Benfica’s valuation of the player.
Prima facie the Portuguese media report can be roundly laughed off, considering the fact that even with Everton’s newfound riches owing to majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri bankrolling a summer spending spree and the almost concluded high-profile deal for Lukaku yielding at least £75m, the figure quoted is beyond ridiculous for a player that has 12 goals in 47 appearances.
The 26-year-old has also reportedly alerted the likes of Liverpool and West Ham United. The Mexican forward was crucial in Benfica capturing the Primera Liga title last season despite missing huge parts of the season owing to injury. Jimenez has an exceptionally strong header.
He is also renowned for his ability to hold the ball up when deployed as a lone striker along with good passing and finishing skills. He’s pretty adept at taking set-pieces making the player an attractive proposition for interested teams.
Liverpool’s title charge last season frittered away despite a strong start, due to inadequate squad depth. They have so far only unveiled Mohamed Salah in a £36.9 million deal from Roma, and are on the lookout to bolster their attacking options further.
Klopp is reportedly interested in RB Leipzig’s wonderkid Naby Keita and wants to build his team around the £70m rated man. The Anfield outfield were rebuffed in their attempts to lure Van Dijk away from Southampton, with Klopp looking to shore up Liverpool’s leaky defence, owing to illegal approach, and might yet resume their interest in the player.
Liverpool target Jimenez has refused to rule out a move to the Premier League. The 26-year-old told ESPN: “The Premier League is a great championship, but you have to wait. I don’t close any doors and we’ll see what happens. I’m still at Benfica. I saw the news came out but I don’t know anything. I was concentrating on the national team. I have a date to return to Benfica, to join the preseason games and I’m in the club’s hands.”
The Mexican striker led the line for his national team in the recently concluded Confederations Cup held in Russia scoring once in four appearances. They lost to a well-drilled German side who went on to clinch the trophy.
For a deal to fall in place, Benfica must lower the valuation of the player. The Portuguese side are notoriously difficult to bargain with, and their reluctance to part with the player could hold up the move.
