Liverpool’s search for a new midfielder may be about to take a surprising turn. That’s according to Belgian site Voetbal Flitsen who claim that The Reds are interested in KV Oostende midfielder Kenny Rocha Santos.
The Cape Verde international has played in all 21 league games in the Jupiler League since joining last summer, scoring three goals.
Rocha Santos is currently playing for his country at AFCON, where he won a man of the match award on Sunday. This has reportedly alerted Porto and Feyenoord, as well as Liverpool.
Transfermarkt data says the midfielder moved to KV Oostende for £1.35m from Ligue 2 side AS Nancy. The report this morning claims that Rocha Santos is valued at around £8.3m by his club.
This would clearly provide a far cheaper alternative for Liverpool than the likes of the repeatedly linked Jude Bellingham. But it seems virtually impossible that this report carries any weight.
History tells us that Liverpool don’t usually sign players from “lesser leagues”. An exception to the rule is Takumi Minamino who was signed for a similar price from RB Salzburg.
Minamino has since struggled to make the step up required. It would seem strange for Liverpool to make a move for a player with far less experience at the top level.
At 22 it could be possible that Rocha Santos turns out to be a hidden gem. But Jurgen Klopp’s side are in a position where they need quality reinforcements to come in and make a difference immediately.
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