Javier Manquillo is ready for a fight that could shape and define his career.
Manquillo joined Liverpool from Spanish club Atletico Madrid on Wednesday. Manquillo moves to Anfield on a two-year loan deal, which includes an option for Liverpool to purchase him for around £5 million ($8.4 million), according to the Liverpool Echo.
Manquillo, a 20-year-old attack-minded right fullback, will compete with Glen Johnson, Jon Flanagan and Martin Kelly for playing time.
“The immediate objective is to do the best I possibly can here,” Manquillo told LiverpoolFC.com. “I’ve come here to try and secure a place for myself in the side and, if possible, stay here for many more years in the future.”
Manquillo was a squad player on last season’s team that won La Liga (Spain’s first division) and finished runner-up in the UEFA Champions League. Because of injury and the outstanding performances of others, Manquillo played just seven games (in all competitions) last season.
Manquillo has represented Spain at U-18, U-19 and U-20 levels and was part of the country’s title-winning team at the U-19 European Championships in 2012. He remains one of the hottest prospects in Spanish soccer, despite his lack of first-team experience.
If Manquillo quickly settles at Liverpool, earns the trust of manager Brendan Rodgers and plays regular games, he ultimately could prove to be a bargain signing at the reported fee. If Manquillo fails to supplant Johnson, Flanagan and Kelly, he most likely would return to Atletico Madrid, where he would continue his career in an environment that is more familiar to him than the Premier League.
Photo via LiverpoolFC.com
