Liverpool has identified Real Sociedad attacking midfielder Brais Mendez as a viable target this summer, according to reports.
The Reds are yet to add to their ranks since Arne Slot took over at the end of last season but could now be on course to make some major moves in the current transfer market, with Mendez potentially in line to walk through the Anfield doors as the Dutchman's first signing.
According to Spanish publication Fichajes , the Reds are one of a number of Premier League clubs who have shown "real interest" in the player this summer, with the English top flight said to be his most likely destination.
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Mendez has become an integral part of the Sociedad side since making his move to the Basque Country club two years ago, with his performances catching the eye of some of Europe's biggest clubs. However, Sociedad is expected to ask for around $54million (£42million/€50million) if they are to consider selling him this summer.
Diaz has become one of the Spanish club's star players since arriving from fellow La Liga outfit Celta Vigo in July 2022, signing a six-year-deal for a reported fee of around $16m (£13m/€15m), according to OneFootball .
He had impressed at the Galicia-based outfit prior to his big money move, having made 166 appearances across all competitions after progressing from the club's academy and then B team in 2017. During that time, he also managed 22 goals and 18 assists.
Since joining Sociedad two years ago, however, Mendez has established himself as one of the best attacking midfielders in La Liga, registering 19 goals and 17 assists in 91 appearances in all competitions for The White and Blues. Last season, he scored in Sociedad's first three Champions League fixtures against Inter Milan, RB Salzburg and Benfica.
On his European debut in September 2022, he scored the only goal of the game as Sociedad defeated Manchester United at Old Trafford in a UEFA Europa League group stage fixture, slotting home a 59th minute penalty to claim all three points for the visitors.
While Mendez is more than capable of providing goals and assists, his versatility is also a major attribute to his game. While primarily operating as an attacking midfielder, the 27-year-old can also play as a central midfielder, winger and a center-forward, making him highly effective in any side.
In an interview with The Athletic in January, he said that being the playmaker in the side is where he feels most comfortable. "Here (at Real Sociedad), I’m playing on the inside, where I feel more comfortable," he said. "Playmaker seems to me to be my ideal position, it’s where everything flows."
The attacking midfielder even highlighted how he enjoys taking on defensive duties, having attempted the second-most tackles of any Sociedad player during his debut season at the club in 2022-23.
And having been previously linked with a move to the Premier League, Diaz said he has always been attracted to playing in England. He told The Athletic: "It is always a league that has attracted my attention. It is the best in the world for the way everything is managed and how any team has options for everything."
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