Liverpool have long been interested in Napoli’s midfielder Piotr Zielinski, but latest reports from the Mirror confirms that Zielinski is unlikely to move in the upcoming summer transfer window. The midfielder seemingly ruled out a move as he expressed his desire to play for Napoli for the next few years. Liverpool can only get their hands on the midfielder if they manage to trigger his release clause which is set at €65m.
Zielinski recently said, ”New contract? I am happy at Napoli, I want to stay here five more years to help the team to improve.”
So it’s clear that the midfielder is happy with his situation at the club and Liverpool might have to look at other alternatives if they want to sign another midfielder in the summer.
The Polish midfielder is an integral member of the Serie A outfit as he has made 35 appearances for them in all competitions this season. Therefore it is no surprise that Napoli have kept his release clause at such an amount given his importance and value to the team.
The Polish international has managed five goals in all competitions so far and is a workhorse in the middle of the park. However, he is also good at dribbling out of tight situations and has that creative side to his game which can unlock defences. Zielinski usually operates in a box to box role, but he has showcased that he can do various other jobs in midfield as well. To put it simply, given his work rate and on the ball abilities, he could be a perfect midfielder for Jurgen Klopp.
Liverpool are likely to lose the services of James Milner who is currently in the final few months of his contract. Also, he is being linked with a move to his boyhood club Leeds United. Therefore the Reds might require a midfielder in the upcoming season.
After Zielinski’s comments, it is definitely a blow to Liverpool as the Merseyside outfit has been keeping track of the 24-year-old for quite some time. His work rate would have helped Klopp’s pressing strategies, and his ability to transition the ball quickly on the counter-attack would have made him a hit at Anfield.
The 41 times Polish international is currently in the prime of his career and could have been a long term option for the Reds in midfield. It remains to be seen though whether Klopp goes on to trigger the release clause for the midfielder in the summer. However, we suspect Klopp will not pay such a high amount, and as such it makes sense to switch targets.
