In a recent episode of the Transfer Window Podcast (via the Daily Star), journalist Duncan Castles has provided an update on Liverpool’s interest in securing the signature of LOSC Lille winger Nicolas Pepe during the summer transfer period. Speaking to the Transfer Window Podcast (via the Daily Star), Castles said,
“Nicolas Pepe – we discussed him last week as a player Manchester United had been recommended to sign last summer.
“Liverpool have contacted Lille to ask… what the cost will be.
“That contact has not been direct, it’s been done through agents.
“Liverpool are not anywhere near as advanced in this pursuit who I think would very much fit Liverpool’s attack and be a good alternative to any of their first-choice from three players.
“The asking price at present is €80m (£69m) – I think they feel they might be able to get beyond that if they can get Liverpool, Chelsea – who have also been watching Liverpool games recently – Paris St-Germain and Bayern Munich.
“Bayern Munich are in pole position to get him having made a €60m (£52m) offer.
“That’s not been accepted, but I think there’s a good chance they’ll increase their bid.”
Castles has claimed that the Reds have reached out to Lille to find out about the player’s asking price which is around €80m (£69m) at the moment. However, Jurgen Klopp will face stiff competition from a whole host of clubs which include Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich.
The Remarkable Rise Of Nicolas Pepe This Season
Pepe has been in scintillating form for Christophe Galtier’s side after putting in a series of majestic performances in the Ligue 1 this season. The ex-Poitiers FC youth player has featured in 36 matches for LOSC Lille this term, scoring 20 goals while providing 12 assists in all competitions.
The 23-year-old has been prolific in front of the opposing goal, and his goal-scoring contributions have helped the French club climb to the second spot of the Ligue 1 standings which goes to show what an exceptional talent Pepe has been for his team this season. He has registered four goals in 11 appearances for Ivory Coast during his international career thus far.
What Will The Ivory Coast Winger Add To Klopp’s Team?
Pepe boasts incredible pace which helps him travel with the ball at high speed out in the wide areas. His powerful, lung-bursting dribbles often cause a lot of headaches for the opposing defenders in the final third of the pitch. The Lille wonderkid has also added goals and assists to his game which makes him such a highly sought after talent in European football.
The potential addition of a player of Pepe’s strengths will undoubtedly bolster Klopp’s attacking options at the Merseyside club. However, the Ivory Coast international won’t be guaranteed regular game time at Anfield as the terrific front three of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah are nailed-on starters in Klopp’s first-team.
Will Pepe Be A Good Fit For Liverpool?
Pepe has all the makings of a world-class winger, and Jurgen Klopp could be the ideal manager to get the best out of him. Hence, he will fit in well at the red half of Merseyside but only if Klopp is willing to give him a chance to feature in his first-team.
