LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND — Liverpool have reached a decision on activating a winger’s £50 million release clause in January. The club has decided not to pay the hefty fee for Valencia’s David Otorbi.
Liverpool had intended to activate a winger’s £25 million release clause in January. But a report has now revealed whether the move will go ahead amid claims the clause has doubled in value.
Summer Overhaul
Liverpool set about overhauling their wing positions over the summer. Three new signings were originally planned.
Bradley Barcola and Victor Munoz did arrive. Barcola is now Liverpool’s second most expensive signing ever at £123 million.
However, difficulties in landing either Yankuba Minteh or Ismaila Sarr as the third man resulted in Liverpool pulling the plug on Cody Gakpo’s sale to Manchester City.
The January Plan
According to a recent report from Tribuna Deportiva, Liverpool plan to go again in the upcoming winter window. But they are not targeting Sarr or Minteh.
The report linked Liverpool to Valencia winger David Otorbi. The 19-year-old primarily plays on the right wing.
He has featured in nine of Valencia’s 10 LaLiga games this term. But he has usually featured from the bench.
The report noted that Valencia extended Otorbi’s contract by three years until 2031. It also said they doubled the value of his release clause to €60 million or £50 million via a mechanism in his terms.
Liverpool’s Stance
Whether Valencia have done exactly that is debated by sources. But according to the latest from Football Insider, Liverpool have no intention of paying £50 million.
Their reporter, Pete O’Rourke, declared: “Liverpool will not make a move for Valencia winger David Otorbi in January if the Spanish side increase his valuation to the £50 million mark.”
He added: “Recent reports in Spain have suggested that they are readying a move to bring that clause into effect, and it appears set to put Liverpool off a deal, for now at least. Sources say that the Reds are not willing to spend such a lofty fee on a young player in the middle of the campaign.”
Journalist’s View
When recently asked for his view on the Otorbi/Liverpool situation, Reds reporter David Lynch strongly hinted the Spanish reporting on this story is overblown.
“I haven’t got a clue about this player whatsoever,” admitted Lynch on Anfield Index’s Media Matters podcast.
“I don’t think he’s played that frequently for Valencia either,” the journalist added before noting he doesn’t expect the Reds to rush recklessly into a move.
Current Squad Depth
At present, Liverpool remain well stocked on the flanks. Barcola, Munoz, Gakpo, Rio Ngumoha, and Federico Chiesa are all in situ.
The club has several options in wide areas. This reduces the urgency to sign another winger in January.
What This Means
Liverpool’s decision shows a measured approach to the transfer market. The club is unwilling to overpay for young players mid-season.
It also reflects confidence in the current squad. The Reds believe they have enough quality to compete for trophies this season.
What Happens Next
Liverpool will continue to monitor the transfer market. The club may revisit the Otorbi deal in the summer if the price is right.
For now, the focus is on the current campaign. The Reds are competing for the Premier League title and the Champions League.
