According to a recent report by L’Equipe (via the Metro), Liverpool are prepared to make an offer to secure the services of Nicolas Pepe from LOSC Lille during the summer transfer period. However, the same source has also mentioned that the Reds will face stiff competition from the likes of Inter Milan, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain in pursuit of the Ligue 1 winger.
Nicolas Pepe’s Recent Emergence In French Football
Pepe has been in scintillating form for Lille so far this season after putting in a series of mesmerising displays in the French top-flight during this campaign. The former Poitiers FC starlet has made a total of 36 appearances for Christophe Galtier’s side this term, scoring 20 goals while creating 12 assists in all competitions.
His increase in productivity in the final third this season has helped Lille climb to the second spot of the league table which goes to show how much of a valuable asset he has been for the French team so far. The 23-year-old has registered four goals in 11 appearances for Ivory Coast and is destined to play an integral part for his nation in the coming years.
What Will The Ivory Coast Talent Add To Klopp’s Side?
Pepe is blessed with terrific pace and acceleration which helps him dribble with the ball effectively down the wide areas. His lung-bursting runs from midfield often create a lot of headaches for the opposing defenders inside their own penalty box. The Ligue 1 wonderkid has also been prolific this season which makes him such a highly sought after wing wizard in French football.
The potential addition of Pepe will undoubtedly improve Jurgen Klopp’s squad depth at Anfield. However, the Ivory Coast speedster might struggle to earn regular playing time at the red half of Merseyside as the trio of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah currently seem to be undroppable from the Liverpool senior team.
Will Pepe Be A Good Option For The Reds?
All in all, it seems like Pepe has all the makings of a world-class winger so the Merseyside giants should consider bringing him to Melwood ahead of the new season.