Michael Edwards strikes gold as incredible Diogo Jota deal is revealed

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Diogo Jota

Liverpool will have to pay just £4m up front to sign Diogo Jota from Wolves after Michael Edwards struck an incredible deal with Wolves for the Portugal forward.

News emerged on Friday that Liverpool had registered their interest in Jota as an alternative target to Watford’s Ismaila Sarr.

Jota scored 16 goals and provided six assists in 48 games last season and had been earmarked as Liverpool’s top attacking target this summer.

Now it’s reported that a deal has been struck with Wolves for the forward, who should seal his move to Anfield soon.

And, according to The Athletic, Reds sporting director Edwards has delivered another sensational deal for Liverpool.

They claim Liverpool will pay £41m, rather than the £35m first reported for Jota. However, it has emerged that the Premier League champions will pay just £4m of that fee up front.

Furthermore, Wolves have agreed to take transfer installments for the player in another stroke of genius. However, it was the decision of Wolves to allow just £4m up front – less than 10% of his valuation – that was key to the deal for Liverpool. The payment plan will see Liverpool hand Wolves just £5m this year, with a further £1m due by December.

Furthermore, Liverpool helped fund that move by selling Wolves Ki-Jana Hoever for a fee rising to £13.5m.

Wolves will pay £9m up front with a further £4.5m in add-ons for the teenage defender.

 

The 18-year-old was also chased by Atletico Madrid and Juventus, but has been persuaded to join Wolves.

That will mean the £4m fee for Jota will be handed straight back to Liverpool.

Jota will now become their third signing of the summer after Thiago arrived on Friday.

The 23-year-old could now provide serious competition for Liverpool’s famous front three of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah.

 

Klopp admits Thiago surprised him

Thiago Alcantara (pic from LFC)

Meanwhile, Jurgen Klopp says new signing Thiago surprised him with his desire to become part of the club’s project.

The 29-year-old star has signed for Liverpool for an initial £20m from Bayern Munich. He will wear the No 6 shirt at Anfield.

Speaking to Liverpoolfc.com, Klopp expressed his delight at the deal, revealing how chats with the player helped him realise the 29-year-old’s long-standing wish.

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