According to a recent report by Le10Sport, LOSC Lille winger Nicolas Pepe is prepared to decline a move to Liverpool as he has his heart set on joining Paris Saint-Germain during the ongoing summer transfer window. However, Liverpool Echo‘s Paul Gorst has already revealed that the Reds have no intention of signing the Ligue 1 talent in this off-season.
Pepe’s Transformation Into A Goal-Scoring Machine In The Ligue 1
Even then, if the reports from the French media are accurate, then it could come as a bitter blow to Jurgen Klopp’s chances of landing the Ivory Coast international who was in the form of his life last season. Pepe had a majestic year in the French top-flight with Lille as he helped them claim an impressive second place finish in the league table.
The ex-Poitiers FC sensation had featured in 41 matches for Christophe Galtier’s side in the previous campaign, scoring 23 goals while creating 12 assists in all competitions. The 24-year-old has managed to be highly productive in the final third for the French outfit which has seen his stock rise in European football.
He has also registered four goals in 11 international matches for Ivory Coast and is destined to play an integral role for his country over the next few years. Pepe prefers to play on the right wing but can also be asked to fill in as a centre-forward up top if required.
What Does The Lille Star Offer On The Field?
Pepe has blistering pace under his belt which enables him to dribble with the ball at high speed down the wide channels to create openings in the offensive end of the pitch. His well-timed runs from midfield have often led to goals last season, but the jury is still out on whether he can continue such a rich vein of goal-scoring form in the upcoming campaign.
Missing Out On Pepe: Massive Blow For Klopp?
Pepe is not selfish as he does not shy away from setting up his teammates when they are in space inside the opposing penalty area. At the tender age of 24, the Ligue 1 prospect has shown a lot of growth as a player so missing out on him will be a hammer blow for the Reds and their quest to ease the workload off the shoulders of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah next season.
However, there is still a lot of time left in this transfer window, so Klopp should not have too much problem in finding a suitable alternative to Pepe as he looks to refine his squad ahead of the new campaign.
