Liverpool have been linked with a move for Barcelona right back Aleix Vidal this summer. Reports suggest that Liverpool have made an approach to seal the transfer of Aleix Vidal.
Aleix Vidal joined Barcelona from Sevilla at the beginning of last season for a fee of 13 million euros. Before joining the Catalan giants, Vidal made 31 appearances for Sevilla scoring 4 goals and also bagged a few assists to his name. Aleix Vidal is a perfect example of the modern right back who does not miss any opportunity of attacking and constantly makes runs down the flanks for his team. Vidal has excellent attacking abilities and he also fulfills his defending duties. He is swift, which helps him cover ground quickly. As a result, he can make darting runs towards opposition defense and also track back to his position quickly to defend the counters.
Aleix had very little game time at Barcelona, making just 14 appearances for the Spanish giants over the 2015-16 season. He was played second fiddle to Dani Alves and failed to make an impact in the 14 games that he played in, providing just 1 assist. Even if Liverpool want to sign Aleix, they have a big obstacle in the form of Dani Alves’ departure. Dani Alves will leave Barcelona this summer and as a result Aleix might get a chance to become Barcelona’s first choice right back. Also, he will cost Liverpool somewhere around 45 million euros, due to his release clause.
Liverpool have Nathaniel Clyne and Jon Flanagan for the right back position. Nathaniel Clyne was one of the most consistent Liverpool players over the season. He was omnipresent in Liverpool’s back 4 and had an excellent season. Clyne ran through the opposition defenses and delivered excellent crosses through the right wing. He combined well with Adam Lallana and Coutinho by playing in short passes. Also, he was very good at high pressing, which has been Liverpool’s feature since Jurgen Klopp took over. He also obliged to his defensive duties unlike Moreno, who left huge gaps at the back while going forward. And besides Clyne, Jon Flanagan has returned to the first team after missing 18 months due to injury. He only made 5 appearances for the Reds, but is expected to make it to the first team more often in the next season.
Liverpool already have a very stable right back in the form of Nathaniel Clyne, and a very good second choice Jon Flanagan. Liverpool do not need any recruitment for the right back position, atleast for a couple of seasons. Aleix Vidal plays only on the right side and so he won’t be of much help to Jurgen Klopp. Also, he will not leave Barcelona, with first team football knocking at his doors due to the departure of Dani Alves. Hence spending 45 million euros on Aleix Vidal is not a good option for Liverpool and instead, they should look for a better left back to replace Alberto Moreno.