Alex Teixeira says he wants to join Liverpool

Shakhtar Donetsk forward Alex Teixeira has spoken publicly about his desire to join Liverpool during this transfer window.

In an exclusive interview with Anfield HQ, the Brazilian striker spoke about his frustration at Shakhtar rejecting Liverpool’s first bid for him.

He said:

The team received one official offer from Liverpool. It was rejected. I don’t know why. It was a great offer. It is frustrating, but the manager and club president decided against it, so now I’m just waiting, trying to be patient.

When asked if he wants to join Liverpool, he replied:

Yes, it’s a huge club. So many great players have passed through there. It would be an honour to defend the Liverpool shirt.

He then confirmed that the Reds had not made a second bid:

No there has only been one offer; €32million and Shakhtar rejected it. I know my agent is still attempting everything possible to help me get to Liverpool.

Teixeira also spoke about the possibility of playing alongside Liverpool’s current Brazilians and he said he’d be delighted to join up with one in particular:

I’ve played with [Philippe] Coutinho since we were ten years old. It would be a lot of fun to play with him again.

When asked what he’d bring to Liverpool if he did make the move, he responded:

The way I play, is always looking to score. I could definitely add an attacking threat, especially if I’m paired with all of the talented players they already have on the squad.

Teixeira was also asked if he considered joining another team, maybe in another league, but he insisted that he wants to play in England:

Every time I’m asked that question, I always say the English Premier League. For me, it’s the best league in the world. I believe in myself and I feel that would be the best move for my career.

He also spoke about his desire to move to England to help him get more exposure and hopefully a call-up to the national team:

I’ve reached an age, 26, in which I’m really looking to break into the Brazil team. 2018 might be the last World Cup I have a chance to play in, so I want to go to a big club and show what I can do at the highest level, and hopefully be selected for Brazil.

Finally, he was asked if he thinks he’ll be a Liverpool player by the time the window shuts:

I don’t know, it’s tough to answer that. I want to be there but that is up to the club president now, I can only hope. I don’t know what else to say.

You can watch the interview in full here: