Liverpool NEED to demand £55m for out of form forward

Diogo Jota has become a divisive figure among Liverpool’s fanbase.

The Portuguese forward’s song was sung a number of times when the Reds secured their 20th league title against Tottenham on Sunday, but his first season under Arne Slot has been somewhat disappointing.

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The 28-year-old has managed just nine goals and four assists this campaign, his worst return in a Liverpool shirt, and questions are being asked about his longevity in Slot’s plans.

A number of clubs are reportedly interested and Jota could be one of a number of stars who make way as part of a generation defining summer overhaul.

What is Diogo Jota worth?

Jota’s contribution this season have not earned him a clear place in Slot’s plans going forward. The 28-year-old has struggled for minutes but has really disappointed at times when on the pitch.

As exclusively revealed by Anfield Watch, the club are open to a sale in the summer window, but it is still unclear just how much Richard Hughes will demand for Jota’s signature.

According to Empire of the Kop, the club will demand a fee of around £45 million, which would see Liverpool net a small profit on what they paid Wolves for the forward in 2020.

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Although Jota has struggled to find form this season, this fee feels slightly on the low side especially when you consider the numbers Jota has managed to put up in his limited minutes this campaign.

Jota is in the 99th percentile for interceptions per 90 among forwards in Europe’s big five leagues and also ranks very highly for tackles and blocks per 90. The Portugal international is still a pressing machine.

He is also still managing an impressive volume of shots per 90 (3.45) and it is clear to see that he is a top-level player, but maybe Slot’s system isn’t particularly well suited to what Jota does best.

An experienced and versatile goal threat, Jota can definitely still do a job for Liverpool, but the opportunity to cash in on a player entering the final two years of his deal as well as potentially the twilight of his career may be too good to turn down for Hughes.

Therefore, a fee of around £55 million seems reasonable for Jota, who could make a real impact at another Premier League side or abroad.

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Diogo Jota’s time in Merseyside does seem to be coming to an end, but the iconic forward’s contributions will not be forgotten and there is still plenty of life in the 28-year-old’s career.