Liverpool target admits Premier League was first choice

Alex Teixeira has admitted his preference was to move to the Premier League in January before agreeing to join Chinese Super League side Jiangsu Suning for £38.5m from Shakhtar Donetsk on Friday.

Liverpool and Chelsea were both strongly linked with a more for the Brazilian forward and it had appeared Jurgen Klopp’s side were on the verge of signing him only for the deal to collapse after both sides failed to agree on a price.

When the January transfer window closed it appeared Teixeira would be forced to remain in the Ukraine until at least the summer, but he has now made the switch to China - something he admits he was initially opposed to.

“Everyone always knew that I wanted to stay in Europe and move to the English Premier League club,” Teixeira told Shakhtar’s official website.

“I wanted to make it to the Premier League one day. But, unfortunately, all the proposals that came from them were somewhat unsubstantial and did not contain anything concrete.

“I received a serious offer from China, so of course I took it. I discussed it with my family and the people that are close to me. I consulted with my wife the most and she supported my decision.

“Despite the face that it all took place at lightning speed, I would not say that it was an easy decision. I just had to respond quickly.”

Teixeira scored a staggering 22 goals in just 15 league appearances for Shakhtar this season and it is understandable, when you consider Liverpool’s attacking woes this season, that they were interested in a striker of his calibre.

For more stats on Alex Teixeira, click here to visit his WhoScored player page