Liverpool Eye £30m Valencia Forward David Otorbi but Face £50m Battle

Liverpool are reportedly huge admirers of Valencia forward David Otorbi, but any move for the 19-year-old could be complicated by a release clause that Valencia can increase to £50m. The Reds believe the Spaniard is not worth that much at this stage of his development.

Player: David Otorbi (Valencia, 19, right-winger)
Release clause: £30m, but Valencia can raise it to £50m
Contract: Runs until 2028
Liverpool stance: Huge admirers, but will not pay around £50m
Next fixture: Liverpool face Chelsea in the Carabao Cup in midweek, then Arsenal next weekend

Deal details

According to a report from Football Insider, Liverpool have been impressed by Otorbi's recent development and could make a move next year. The 19-year-old has a contract until 2028 at the Estadio Mestalla and a £30m release clause, but Valencia hold an option to increase his exit clause up to £50m.

The report states that Liverpool have no intention of making a move for Otorbi if Valencia demand around £50m. They believe he is still very young and isn't worth that much. No formal approach has been made, and the situation remains at the rumour stage.

Who is David Otorbi?

Otorbi started his youth career at Atlético Cabanyal before joining Malvarrosa. He joined Valencia's academy at the age of 11. After coming through their youth system, the youngster made his first-team debut two and a half years ago, becoming the club's youngest-ever debutant.

Initially, he took time to adapt to top-flight football before featuring as a rotational option this season. He scored his first goal in senior football for Valencia against Racing Santander earlier this month.

The Spaniard is a right-footed right-winger. He is quick and can dribble past opposition defenders in tight areas. He is a talented player and possesses high potential. Therefore, the Spaniard might be a shrewd acquisition for the Merseyside club with a view to the long-term future should they purchase him.

Why Liverpool need another winger

Following Mohamed Salah's departure, Liverpool decided to reinforce the flanks by purchasing Victor Munoz and Bradley Barcola this summer. Moreover, Andoni Iraola currently has Rio Ngumoha, Federico Chiesa and Cody Gakpo as winger options.

However, Chiesa has struggled to find regular game time since joining from Juventus. On the other hand, Ngumoha is still very young and needs time to develop. Therefore, Liverpool could do with signing a new winger next year. However, it is going to be interesting to see whether the Anfield club eventually make a concrete approach to secure Otorbi's services.

Analysis: Why Liverpool are right to hold firm at £30m

Liverpool's reported interest in David Otorbi makes sense on multiple levels. The 19-year-old is a right-footed right-winger who can dribble in tight areas, exactly the profile the Reds need to add depth and long-term quality on the flanks. With Federico Chiesa struggling for regular game time and Rio Ngumoha still developing, there is a clear gap in the squad for a young winger who can contribute now and grow into a bigger role.

However, the £50m price tag that Valencia could trigger via their option is a significant deterrent. Liverpool's stance that Otorbi is not worth that much at this stage is entirely reasonable. He has made only a handful of senior appearances and scored his first goal earlier this month. Paying £50m for a rotational option would represent a major gamble, especially for a club that has already invested in Victor Munoz and Bradley Barcola this summer.

The £30m release clause, on the other hand, represents fair value for a player with high potential. If Liverpool can negotiate a deal at that level, it would be a smart piece of business. The key will be whether Valencia decide to activate their option to raise the clause, which would likely force Liverpool to look elsewhere. For now, the Reds are monitoring the situation, and a move next year remains a possibility if the price is right.

Talking points

Is £30m for a 19-year-old with one senior goal a risk worth taking for Liverpool, or should they look for more proven cover?
Valencia's option to raise the clause to £50m could be a masterstroke or a mistake – should they cash in now at £30m?
With Chiesa struggling for minutes and Ngumoha still raw, is Otorbi the right profile to add depth on the right wing?
Should Liverpool prioritise a move for Otorbi over other targets, or is this a smokescreen for a bigger deal?

What happens next

Liverpool's immediate focus is on the Carabao Cup clash with Chelsea in midweek, followed by a Premier League fixture against Arsenal next weekend. Any move for Otorbi would likely take place next year, with the January window or the summer as potential opportunities. The decision will hinge on whether Valencia activate their option to raise the release clause to £50m, and whether Liverpool are willing to meet that valuation or walk away.

Frequently asked questions

How much is David Otorbi's release clause?

Otorbi has a £30m release clause, but Valencia hold an option to increase it up to £50m.

Will Liverpool pay £50m for David Otorbi?

No, the report states Liverpool have no intention of making a move if Valencia demand around £50m, as they believe he is still very young and not worth that much.