Liverpool is not reduced to Salah, Van Dijk or Alexander-Arnold. Arne Slot has a luxury ‘spy’ to prepare Real Madrid’s visit in the Champions League: Kiko Espinar (Rubí, 1983).
The former RCD Espanyol player – he served as a coach in the youth ranks and as a first team analyst with Pochettino, Aguirre and Sergio – has emerged as the ‘eyes’ of Liverpool. Espinar has been, since 2015, responsible for ‘Pool’ scouting in Spain and Portugal.
The Egyptian forward spoke to a group of journalists after the victory against Southampton.
A time, nine years now, in which he has played a key role, especially in the signings of Luis Díaz, Stefan Bajcetic and Giorgi Mamardashvili.
The hiring of the Georgian, who remains on loan at Valencia, is his latest ‘hit’. The Reds signed one of the most sought-after and promising goalkeepers on the market, ensuring the succession of Alisson, for a more than reasonable price: 30 million euros.
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Espinar was about to give another ‘masterstroke’ with the incorporation of Martín Zubimendi. Liverpool, unlike Arsenal, Barcelona or Bayern, were determined to pay their clause (60 million) and seemed to have the ‘OK’ of the ‘anchor’ of Real Sociedad. However, at the last minute, the Spanish international backed down. “We did everything possible to sign him, but he decided not to come,” lamented Arne Slot.
We did everything possible to sign him, but he decided not to come
Arne Slot
Their most differential signing, to date, is that of Luis Díaz. It was cooked over low heat, in the shade. Tottenham had it ‘made’, but the person in charge of scouting for the ‘Pool’ in Spain and Portugal managed to ensure that the player’s desire to arrive at Anfield prevailed.
The striker scored three goals in the victory against Bayer Leverkusen.
A transfer, set at 45 million plus 15 in variables, more than amortized. The former Porto player has 33 goals and 15 assists in the 115 games he has played as a player.
That of Stefan Bajcetic, now on loan at Salzburg, is, without a doubt, a signature signing. He had his eye on him when he was playing in the Celta youth team and managed to beat the interest of Manchester United. He quickly guessed its potential. He arrived as a center back and developed as a midfielder. In fact, playing in the engine room, he scored in his second Premier game with the Reds.
The talented Galician midfielder speaks to MARCA from the U21 concentration
A good eye that is trading upwards in a market lacking opportunities and that will try to take advantage, once again, of Arne Slot. Real Madrid has a ‘spy’ in Spain.
