Portuguese midfielder Joao Carlos Teixeira was released by Liverpool yesterday, after the completion of his contract. The 23-year-old joined the Reds in 2012, after impressing academy manager Frank McParland, but never managed to cement his place in the first team.
Teixeira impressed during his loan spell at Brentford and Brighton & Hove Albion, but unfortunately, things never worked out for him at Liverpool under Brendan Rodgers and Jurgen Klopp. Teixeira has hardly put a foot wrong at Liverpool, and has been outstanding during his 7 appearances for the club this season, but competition for places means he could be playing elsewhere next season.
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Reports in the Portuguese media suggest Teixeira is on the wishlist of several top European clubs. Liverpool, however, have reportedly offered him a new deal, but it’s very unlikely he is going to accept it.
According to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo, Atletico Madrid, Real Betis, and Fiorentina are interested in signing Teixeira on a free transfer, but FC Porto are in the pole position to sign him.
Negotiations between Porto and Teixeira’s agent Jorge Mendes are going well, and the Portuguese giants have offered the player a long term contract. The 23-year-old is currently enjoying his holidays in Spain but has been promised that his future would be resolved soon.
Porto could quickly complete a deal for the player as he is available on a free transfer, and that wouldn’t hurt their wallets much.
O Jogo are also confident Teixeira is going to reject the offer from Liverpool and is very close to joining Porto, as he is determined to play regular football next season. Liverpool, however, are set to pocket £250,000 from the transfer as a 'development fee', if the Portuguese midfielder signs for a non-English club.
Teixeira joins the long list of highly rated academy players leaving the club recently in search of regular football. Earlier, Jordan Rossiter also signed for Rangers, whilst Suso signed left for AC Milan last year.
The Portuguese midfielder is highly rated among Liverpool fans, who’d be disappointed to see him leave Anfield. Meanwhile, another Anfield favourite Kolo Toure was also released by Liverpool yesterday.
It is reported the former Arsenal man has been offered a coaching role at the club but is very much keen on continuing his playing career, with Ligue 1 club AS Monaco interested in his services.
