Standing as one of the most fragile defences in the top half of the Premier League table last season, Liverpool are desperate to make some additions, not just to their defence but also to their midfield to add some mettle to the squad in the middle of the park. However, Klopp does not seem too interested in buying a defensive midfielder this summer and is still looking for central midfielders who can help them improve their balance in the midfield next season.
The likes of Naby Keita have constantly been linked with a move to Anfield this summer but reports today have revealed that Liverpool have made a £25m bid for the Polish international Piotr Zielinski for a move this summer. The report also states that the Italian outfit Napoli have rejected the bid and are asking in excess of €60m for his services which is apparently his release clause. So should Liverpool pay up?
A target for Liverpool in the last three transfer windows, Zielinski is a central midfielder who loves to create and score goals in attack. In 47 games for Napoli, most of which came from the bench, Zielinski has six goals and seven assists to his name and at just 23, is still learning the game.
A superb dribbler with excellent ball control, Zielinski is a serious threat in attack with his sublime vision and passing accuracy. His key pass rate is right up there with the best in Serie A and his strength and ability to hold off opponents is what will make him a huge hit in England.
He is a liability in the air and needs to work on his defending next season and with 23 national appearances already to his name, he is getting enough exposure to improve as a player.
At Anfield, Klopp is expected to shift to a 4-2-3-1 system next season with two pacey wingers on either side of their Brazilian mastermind. The two positions behind them are up for grabs and Emre Can and Jordan Henderson are the only players in the current first team squad who can fill in there with aplomb.
Lucas Leiva is not expected to play a huge role in the first team even if he stays back at the club while neither of Adam Lallana or Georginio Wijnaldum are expected to play in this role. So Klopp is desperately looking for a player who he can partner with either Can or Henderson in the midfield and Zielinski is as good as an option as any.
However, his price is too high for Liverpool and they will have to negotiate really well if they are to land him this summer.
