According to Foot Mercato, Liverpool are among the clubs interested in the services of Moussa Marega. The FC Porto attacker has emerged as a subject of significant transfer speculation, with Marseille and West Ham also reportedly keen on signing him this summer.
However, Porto’s reported valuation of €30 million might be too much for Marseille, leaving the door open for Liverpool and West Ham to indulge in a transfer duel in pursuit of this highly rated attacker this summer.
Marega’s productive spell at Porto
Marega has become an important figure of the Porto attack since coming back from a productive loan spell with Vitoria Guimaraes back in 2017. The 28-year-old has since netted 33 league goals in the past couple of seasons, becoming one of Porto’s most productive attackers.
This past season was no different, as the Malian international plundered 11 goals and registered seven assists in 29 matches. His services in front of goal helped the Dragao finish second behind champions SL Benfica in the Primeira Liga table. He also ended the campaign as the club’s joint-most productive player alongside Tiquinho Soares, with both the strikers being involved in 18 goals.
What can Marega bring to the table?
Marega is advertised as a well-built forward, who is quite difficult to be shrugged off the ball. His physical prowess, thus, allows him to hold onto the ball for an extended period, opening up more time and space for his teammates in the process.
The Malian international has a tall figure of 186cm, which gives him a considerable advantage in the air. And this makes him a direct threat from set-pieces. Hence, it comes as no surprise that the 28-year-old has won two headed duels per game this past season.
Marega’s biggest asset, however, is his versatility as he usually likes to play just in behind the central striker. Indeed, the Porto superstar has mostly featured behind Tiquinho during the 2018/19 campaign, where his excellent hold-up play and positioning sense made the Portuguese giants a much more complete side.
Should Liverpool make a move for Marega?
Marega seems like an unnecessary target for Liverpool at the moment. As discussed earlier, the Malian international is all about his physical prowess and offensive productivity. But, the Reds already have their own version of Marega in Divock Origi.
The Belgian has shown tremendous promise of late and should be given an opportunity to break into the first team next season. Besides, Marega’s valuation of €30 million seems a bit too expensive for a player, who is already 28 years old with no prior experience in the English top flight.
Hence, Liverpool should drop its pursuit of this Porto attacker. Instead, they should shift their focus towards a younger alternative, who will be able to provide a prospect for the future.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
