The saga that saw Liverpool narrowly miss out on the signature of highly rated Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk winger Yehven Konoplyanka is a strange one. Although a fee for his services with club and contract terms with the player himself were agreed prior to the the transfer window closing, the Ukrainian club dragged their feet on completing the paperwork just long enough to prevent the move from being ratified.
Fast forward a few years and the 25-year old is still in the Ukraine, beaten in the Europa League final as Spanish club Sevilla marauded to their second victory in as many years. Available on a free transfer this summer when his contract expires, a host of clubs are keeping a close eye on the powerful forward, but he’s confirmed that he only has eyes for the Premier League.
“My priority is to play in England,” he told media outlet Futbol 1. “There is where I want to continue my career and I am going to do it,” continued the 25-year old before issuing what sounds like a word of warning to clubs that might interested in making a move. “The clubs may meet with Dnipro, but I can only say what I am doing.”
Since the end of a disastrous season that saw Liverpool finish outside of the top four, the Reds have snapped up a number of players on free transfers. Manchester City midfielder James Milner, Burnley FC striker Danny Ings and Bolton Wanderers ‘keeper Adam Bogdan are all set to move to Merseyside on the first of July, but each of them lack the requisite world class shine that Kopites around the world are looking to be brought in to their ranks. Konoplyanka may not quite suit that particular bill of sale either, but on a free transfer? That price is right for a player that could make a big difference.
