Liverpool 'register interest' in £50m wonderkid, 94% stat makes clear why

Liverpool have reportedly expressed their interest in Valencia wonderkid David Otorbi.

The 19-year-old, who has broken through this season, was said to have had a release clause worth just £25million, which the Reds were keen to pay.

However, the La Liga club have now activated a three-year option in the teenager's contract, raising his release clause to £50m.

Otorbi made his senior league debut last season for Valencia and has emerged as a key player in this campaign, scoring his first goal against Racing Santander earlier this month.

It is unclear whether Liverpool intend to advance in talks for the winger, who may well be loaned back to Valencia if a move does go ahead.

The Reds have no shortage of cover in wide areas, with Rio Ngumoha and Victor Munoz both regularly appearing on the right of Andoni Iraola's attack.

David Otorbi catching eyes in Spain

Otorbi was born in Valencia and has been with the club since 2019, making his way through the youth levels to appear for the first team.

And after making a positive impression in pre-season the 19-year-old has quickly become an important part of Javier Aguirre's team.

The winger's first goal saw him drive into the box to finish well from a pass inside, and there appears to be plenty more facets to his game as well.

Otorbi is averaging 2.18 shots per 90 in La Liga, in the 85th percentile of all attackers. Even more impressively, the forward's 0.33 expected goals per 90 is better than 94 per cent of the league.

And there's more. The Spain youth international is creating 1.63 chances per 90 and is completing 1.90 successful dribbles, with 5.71 duels won.

Otorbi's ability to get into the box is remarkable - his average 7.34 touches in the opposition box per game is in the 96.8th percentile for La Liga forwards.

Liverpool risk alienating Rio Ngumoha

With talks over a new contract for Ngumoha reportedly reaching an advanced stage, news of interest in Otorbi appears bizarrely timed.

Although the winger is unlikely to be a threat to the Englishman, news of a new target in his position may not go down well.

Whether pressure is being applied on Ngumoha to sign on the dotted line or if Liverpool have simply eyed an opportunity, such stories could well alienate the talent and his camp.

The Reds will remain confident in signing the 18-year-old to a new deal, but any alternate move appears a risk too great.