According to a report from Liverpool Echo, Liverpool have made an inquiry to Fluminense about their captain, Nino. The 26-year-old plays a pivotal role at the Brazilian club and recently played in their Club World Cup final loss against Manchester City.
Klopp might prioritize bolstering the defense sooner, especially with Matip’s contract ending in the summer and Gomez filling in for the injured Andrew Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas at left-back.
Nino’s Solid Run With Fluminense So Far This Season
The Brazilian player has admirably led Fluminense’s defense, showcasing strong performances at the back. He’s contributed three goals in thirty appearances across various competitions.
Nino has been a stalwart in defense, maintaining averages of 0.4 tackles, 0.8 interceptions, and 3.6 clearances per game in the Brasileirao. Additionally, he’s displayed excellent passing accuracy, completing 91.4% of his passes in Brazil’s top-tier football (statistics sourced from whoscored).
Several clubs, including the Reds, have reached out to Fluminense to inquire about Nino’s potential transfer. His contract, set to end in 2024, might facilitate Liverpool in securing him at a discounted rate.
Is He Decent Fit For Liverpool Boss Jurgen Klopp?
Liverpool’s pursuit of defensive reinforcements has intensified, with Fluminense’s Nino emerging as a potential target, particularly amid injuries to key left-back options Andrew Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas. With Joël Matip’s contract set to expire and Joe Gomez expected to deputize in the left-back role, the Anfield club faces a pressing need for defensive cover.
Nino’s solidity at the back, his capability to read the game and make effective clearances to ward off the threat from the opposition exhibit his defensive prowess. Yet, the adaptation to Liverpool’s high-pressing style and the demands of the Premier League pose potential challenges. The need for quick transitions, overlapping runs, and offensive contributions from the left-back position are vital components of Jurgen Klopp’s system. While Nino’s defensive qualities are notable, his adaptability to this specific role within the Merseyside club’s tactical framework remains uncertain.
Nino’s potential arrival would provide much-needed depth and alleviate the strain on Gomez, allowing for a more natural center-back role for the Englishman. However, Nino’s arrival might not be a direct solution to the current left-back dilemma even though it might bolster Liverpool’s defensive depth,