Faouzi Ghoulam, regarded as one of the best fullbacks in the Serie A, has reportedly chosen not to sign a contract extension with Napoli, per one of his teammate’s agent. Mario Giuffredi, who represents Mino Rui, claimed that if the 26-year-old “wanted to renew, he’d already have done it” on Radio Crc report Football Italia.
Juventus and Liverpool have taken note of Ghoulam’s situation at Napoli as his future with the Ciucciarelli hang in the balance. Faouzi Ghoulam has been a long-term transfer target for Liverpool now, and this might be the time for the Reds to scalp the Napoli fullback. It is reported that if the player fails to sign a contract extension within January, he will be free to join any other club as a free agent next summer.
Since moving to Napoli in 2014, Ghoulam has embraced the challenge of Italian football offers and has prevailed as one of the most valuable squad members of his team.
Ghoulam is a very versatile fullback, who, despite being a left back by trade, can also feature as a left winger at times. For a coach like Jurgen Klopp, who demands his players to be adaptable to different that arises throughout the course of the season, Ghoulam can be a perfect fit.
He is physically quite challenging and has the energy and athleticism to go with it as well. There’s no doubt that the Algerian is naturally an offensive-minded fullback, who has been a really important part of Napoli this season. He has already scored two goals and provided a whopping 15 chances for his team.
While he may not offer the same amount of work rate in defence, Ghoulam still manages a decent three defensive actions per game, which is not bad by any means. On the other hand, his duels won ratio absolutely superb. Ghoulam amasses a headed duel success rate of 76% percent – that is combined with a take-ons success rate of 75%!
On the top of that, Faouzi Ghoulam is very composed on the ball, hardly giving the possession away. He has a solid passing accuracy of 89% as well.
Ghoulam could potentially be an ideal purchase for Liverpool, who desperately seek some quality on the flanks, following the inconsistent performances of first choice Alberto Moreno. If the Reds do manage to sign Ghoulam on a free transfer next summer, it will be no less than bargain for the Merseysiders.
