Report: Liverpool monitoring teenage playmaker as Napoli step up interest | OneFootball

Liverpool and Napoli in Race for Genk Prodigy Kostantinos Karetsas

Rising Star in Belgium Drawing Europe’s Elite

Kostantinos Karetsas may only be 17, but he’s already making waves in European football. The Genk playmaker has become a standout talent this season, earning admirers from the Premier League, Serie A, and beyond. Napoli are the latest club to show serious interest in the Greek teenager, but they’ll have to fend off Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle, who are reportedly keeping a close eye on his development.

This isn’t just idle transfer gossip. With 30 appearances in all competitions for Genk already under his belt, Karetsas is no longer just a promising youngster—he’s a regular. His stats—two goals and four assists—don’t tell the full story of a midfielder who links play with calm intelligence and creative flair far beyond his years.

For Napoli, the interest is a statement of intent. They see Karetsas as someone who can be part of a longer-term project. Tuttosport reports that the club are watching him “with particular interest”, knowing full well that competition will be fierce.

A Statement of Identity

Perhaps the most mature decision Karetsas has made recently wasn’t on the pitch. Born in Belgium but of Greek heritage, the youngster recently confirmed his international allegiance. “After thinking about it a lot, I have decided to represent Greece. It is a choice of the heart and has nothing to do with the future of these selections. I am grateful for having made this decision, I can’t wait to focus 100% on this beautiful story with Greece. I really appreciate the efforts made by the Belgian Federation in recent weeks and this decision does not mean that I feel less Belgian. For now, I am focused on Genk and the big matches of the coming weeks.”

It’s a refreshingly honest reflection of a dual-national navigating two footballing identities. In a world where players are often caught between performance pressures and political subtext, Karetsas has chosen clarity. And clubs watching him will have taken note—not just of his ability, but of the grounded mindset behind it.

Premier League Suitors Ready to Pounce

Liverpool’s interest makes perfect sense. Their midfield rebuild under Arne Slot has already shown signs of prioritising youthful, technical players who can grow into the system. Kostantinos Karetsas fits that mould. At just 17, his footballing IQ is striking, and with a contract at Genk running until 2027, there’s time—but not too much—for clubs to make their move.

Manchester United’s presence in this transfer conversation is unsurprising as well. They continue to cast a wide net for future playmakers who can deliver in a fluid, attacking set-up. Newcastle, similarly, are building for a future that requires squad depth and raw talent capable of being shaped at the highest level.

What Comes Next?

Karetsas’ next move will be critical. Staying at Genk for another season could allow him to refine his game in familiar surroundings. But the growing interest from Europe’s biggest leagues may accelerate a decision. Napoli are known for being strategic in the market, and their Serie A experience could offer him a different kind of developmental path—slightly less physical than the Premier League, but no less demanding tactically.

What’s clear is that whoever signs him will be investing in much more than potential. They’ll be getting a player who’s already shown he can handle responsibility, pressure, and expectation—with poise.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Liverpool fans, the name Kostantinos Karetsas might not be as familiar as other young targets, but the profile fits the club’s evolving recruitment blueprint. The club’s blueprint in recent years has seen numerous young signings. Karetsas, though only 17, plays with a maturity that echoes the likes of Harvey Elliott and Stefan Bajčetić when they first broke through.

This isn’t about marquee names; it’s about smart investment. Karetsas might not walk into Liverpool’s starting XI immediately, but given the club’s history with developing young midfielders, he wouldn’t need to.