According to a recent report in the print version of Milan-based newspaper Libero, as has been quoted by the Daily Mirror, Premier League giants Liverpool are said to have made initial contact with the representatives of Inter Milan’s Croatian international midfielder Marcelo Brozovic over a potential move to Anfield in the upcoming summer transfer window. The report suggests that the Croat still has two years left on his current tenure at the San Siro, but that a rumoured £52m release clause has caught the Reds’ attention.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is claimed to be keen on making a move for the defensive midfielder this summer, and the Reds are said to have made contact with the player’s agent – Miroslav Bicacic, to discuss the specifics. Inter though, seem determined to fight off a challenge from the Premier League leaders, as they have offered the Croat an improved contract without the release clause. It’s clear that the Italian giants don’t want to let him leave, but a call from the European champions could be too much to pass up on for a player of Brozovic’s quality.
What Is Liverpool’s Current Midfield Situation?
The Reds, despite not boasting the biggest names in the midfield area, possess a strong roster of players who can all play in their positions comfortably. Veteran stars like Jordan Henderson and James Milner have been around the Anfield scene for the longest time now, while more recently, Brazilian destroyer Fabinho has added his name to the list too. Moreover, they even possess back-up options in the form of Naby Keita, Adam Lallana and even Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Even with all these names available, there are certain warning signs that Jurgen Klopp would be forced to take into consideration prior to the commencement of the next league season. Henderson and Wijnaldum are both set to turn 30 before the 20/21 league season ends next year, while James Milner is already 34 and edging into the twilight years of his career. Further down the pecking order too, Adam Lallana is 31 now, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Englishman be moved on in the coming transfer windows as well.
Why Signing Brozovic Would Be A Smart Move By Klopp?
The Croatian international is a holding-midfielder by position, but he does enjoy the occasional foray forward from his deep spot on the pitch. Capable of driving the team forward with some mazy runs, Brozovic is also an excellent passer of the ball and could slot perfectly alongside Fabinho in the heart of the Liverpool side. With a solid defender like Virgil Van Dijk sitting behind him, the Inter Milan man could really prosper in this potential new role.
The midfielder, while being defensive-minded primarily, also has an adventurous side to him. The Croatian international often picks up extremely dangerous positions in the final third, and he’s got quite a finish on him as well.
With three goals and four assists from 23 Serie A fixtures this season, it’s not at all surprising that Klopp has identified Brozovic as a good option for the Reds. Liverpool have been criticised for their dependence on the front-three to get all the goals, and that’s why moving for a versatile option like the Croat would be a shrewd piece of business indeed.
