According to a recent report by L’Equipe (via the Metro and the Daily Mirror), LOSC Lille winger Nicolas Pepe will prefer a move to Liverpool or Inter Milan with the French club hoping to recoup as much as £70m for their prized asset this summer.
However, the Liverpool Echo had claimed last month that the Reds have no interest in recruiting the Ligue 1 sensation during this ongoing summer transfer window.
Nicolas Pepe’s Breakout Season At LOSC Lille
The 24-year-old got to experience the best season of his playing career in the previous campaign when he put in a series of eye-catching performances for Lille which helped the Ligue 1 side claim a second-place finish in the league table.
The ex-SCO Angers wing wizard played 41 matches for the French team in the last term, finding the back of the net 23 times while providing 12 assists across all competitions. Pepe has also earned 11 international caps for Ivory Coast and has scored four goals for them so far. He is likely to play a crucial role for his nation in the coming years if he can continue improving as a winger on the pitch.
What Does The Lille Wide Man Offer On The Field?
Pepe is incredibly quick and agile, which enables him to make intelligent runs down the right flank. The Lille prospect has also proven his worth as a consistent goal-scorer in the previous campaign. He has also managed to make the most out of his teammates by securing an impressive tally of 12 assists last season.
Should Klopp Orchestrate A Move For Pepe?
A gifted wide man like Pepe could significantly bolster Jurgen Klopp’s attacking options at Anfield. He might also provide fierce competition for Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane for a place in the Liverpool first-team in the upcoming campaign. At 24, he has his best years ahead of him which Liverpool could look to benefit from over the next few years.
Hence, it makes sense for Klopp to consider moving in for Pepe as he has the potential to become a world-class winger someday. Furthermore, the Ivory Coast international facies moving to the Merseyside club this summer so he would be well-motivated to do well for the reigning European champions next season.
