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Liverpool should sign Atlanta United’s attacking midfield sensation Gonzalo Martinez to finally put to bed any lingering sadness over the departure of Philippe Coutinho, and to have an alternative to the failed capture of Nabil Fekir.
What’s the word, then?
The skilful Argentine scored River Plate’s third goal in the Copa Libertadores second-leg victory against Boca Juniors at the Santiago Bernabeu, before going on to play in the Club World Cup for the Argentinian giants.
He has since moved to MLS title-winners Atlanta after the American side triggered his $17m release clause, where he will now play his football in the States after four seasons at River Plate.
Of course, should he do well in the American top-flight, there is the likelihood that the 25-year-old will want to test himself in a harder league, which is why Liverpool should be keeping tabs on a man who looks like a perfect replacement for Coutinho.
Why would he be good for the Reds?
Well, Argentinian outlet Ole stated in the summer that the Reds were interested in signing Manuel Lanzini as their Coutinho replacement, only for him to get injured – West Ham would’ve most likely asked for upwards of £50m anyway.
In Martinez, the Reds have another playmaker from Argentina who would be a lot cheaper than Lanzini and one who has a vastly similar playing style to the Hammers’ attacking midfielder.
The Atlanta new boy enjoys sitting just in behind the striker, where he can either split the opposition defence with his incisive passing ability and vision, or curl the ball beyond the keeper from outside the box just as Coutinho did more often than not.
Depending on how well he settles in the United States, Liverpool would be wise to keep an eye on his development with a view to making a move for him later down the line.