Liverpool have contacted Valencia to declare their intention to activate the release clause of right winger David Otorbi, but the Spanish side have moved quickly to block his exit, according to a report.

Otorbi came through Valencia’s academy and made his senior debut in January 2024, aged just 16 — becoming the club’s youngest-ever player. He has spent the last two seasons with Valencia’s second team but is now earning first-team minutes.

A right-footed winger, he has impressed scouts from top clubs with his pace and direct style of play. Liverpool, still searching for a right winger to replace Mohamed Salah, have added him to their radar.

Sport Witness, citing Valencia source Tribuna Deportiva, claims Liverpool “informed” the club “this week” that they want to pay Otorbi’s €30m (£25m) release clause. However, Valencia acted swiftly to deny the move, extending Otorbi’s contract by three years and doubling his exit clause to €60m (£50m).

Premier League interest remains

That is not the end of the story, with the Spain U18 international expected to move to the Premier League one day. His agent, Nacho Gallart, has already confirmed interest from English clubs.

“He’s a lad who has a big market, and he always has,” Gallart said earlier this month. “Quite a few clubs have called us in recent weeks. It’s true that many clubs have called us, especially from the Premier League.”

Meziesblogrevealed on Tuesday that Newcastle United are showing the strongest interest in Otorbi and are keeping close tabs on his development. But Newcastle lost out on Victor Munoz to Liverpool over the summer, and that could happen again in 2027 — this time with Otorbi.

Harvey Elliott is currently on loan at Valencia, and Liverpool officials are believed to have been impressed by his team-mate Otorbi.

Bigger names on Liverpool’s radar

Liverpool fans will want a bigger name — and a more complete forward — to arrive at Anfield to replace Salah.

Rayan is a dream target for the Reds after shining under Andoni Iraola at Bournemouth, though he will be expensive, with his £130m release clause becoming active next year. Liverpool could also reignite interest in Yankuba Minteh and Ismaila Sarr in January, having held talks with both over the summer. Meziesblog can further reveal that Liverpool and Arsenal scouts have been wowed by a playmaker with a £50m release clause.