Liverpool to finally sign long-time target
Tom Weber
- 7 Oct 2023 09:58 BST
- 4 min read
Liverpool could, at last, get their hands on Piotr Zielinski next summer, according to Italian media.
The Reds are seemingly linked with the Polish midfielder every year. It's not hard to see why Jurgen Klopp and company would be keen on the Napoli star as he has become one of Serie A's best and most consistent midfielders in recent years.
However, no move has thus far materialised. But with veteran Thiago Alcantara on an expiring contract and his fitness issues showing no signs of subsiding after yet another setback, the Reds could be forced to finally make a move for Zielinski who, coincidentally, will also be out of contract in the summer.
READ: Liverpool face fresh test in pursuit of Pedro Neto
That's at least according to Corriere dello Sport (via Napoli Piu), which claims that "the renewal of Zielinski's contract seems increasingly distant." The 29-year-old rejected a summer to Saudi Arabia earlier this year, but there is a growing chance that he will Napoli after all.
Liverpool the destination?
"Napoli knows well how much Zielinski is worth," the report states, "which is why there is a clear need to lock him down knowing that in January he will be free to sign for nothing for other clubs."
"The renewal of the contract expiring in June 2024, in eight months, is a priority that, in the meantime, does not concern him, it's a job that falls at the feet of others, the club and his agent with whom there was no agreement at the end of the summer over commissions."
"His technical and footballing growth is evident, and it would not be surprising to see a player of his calibre wearing the shirts of clubs of the calibre of Manchester City, Real Madrid or Liverpool."
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However, while Jurgen Klopp is known to be an admirer of the Pole - even praising him at a press conference last year - it seems doubtful that Liverpool would move for a 29-year-old, even on a free.
It is evident that the Reds are almost exclusively targeting players about to enter their peak nowadays, with Wataru Endo being a notable exception. But the 30-year-old Japan international was something of a panic buy when Liverpool were struggling to land their defensive midfield targets in the summer, he is a stopgap solution.
