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Liverpool to land prized African after ‘disrespectful’ agent causes massive transfer stir

Liverpool are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign highly-rated teenager Abdul Fatawu Issahaku after his “disrespectful” agent caused a transfer elsewhere to collapse.

The Reds had initial links with a move for the Ghanaian last week. At that point, though, Bayer Leverkusen had entered pole position for the 17-year-old’s signing. Indeed, Liverpool had arrived late to the party alongside German giants Borussia Dortmund in the race for the youngster.

However, Leverkusen have dramatically pulled out due to the actions of Issahaku’s agent.

Michael Rahnau, who put the Bundesliga club and the intermediary in contact, told Kicker on Thursday: “Fatawu is a highly talented player and Bayer made a very good offer.

“But I can understand those responsible for Bayer have refrained from the transfer because of [Issahaku’s] advisor’s dubious and disrespectful behaviour.”

The report claims that the agent cancelled his final meeting with Leverkusen on Wednesday – over sealing a deal – at short notice.

Later, it emerged that they had still maintained contact with Liverpool on the same day. In fact, Kicker says that the agent had been in further talks with Basel, Anderlecht, RB Salzburg and Ajax since March.

The aim was to ‘drive up’ their client’s price. As a result, the agent has seemingly put ‘less importance’ over where the player ends up, in favour of sealing the best deal.

In the end, though, Goal now reports that Liverpool are closing in on his signing.

The Reds look increasingly likely to add the highly-rated talent to their academy ranks. However, the report does not state when they expect the deal to go through.

Liverpool set for Issahaku move

Issahaku has emerged as one of Ghana’s most exciting young players.

While he currently plays for Steadfast FC in the second tier of Ghanaian football, he has already signed a sponsorship deal with kit manufacturer Nike.

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The teenager began the year in Ghana’s Under-17s team, before earning a call-up to the Under-20s in February.

His rise has not slowed down, though, and he received a call-up to the senior team in March. Issahaku has not yet made his debut, but could do so in upcoming friendlies against Morocco and the Ivory Coast.

READ MORE: Liverpool to solve superstar’s exit concerns with six new deals in the works

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