In a recent print edition, La Nazione offered an update on Liverpool’s pursuit of Fiorentina forward Dusan Vlahovic. It is understood that both the Reds and Manchester City hold an advantage over other clubs in the race to sign the Serbian striker but would have to pay around €70m to acquire his services during the January transfer window.
Vlahovic’s Outstanding Form In Italian Football This Season
Vlahovic has made a positive start to this campaign after he managed to perform at a high level as the focal point of Vincenzo Italiano’s attack. The 21-year-old has found the back of the net on six occasions and provided one assist in nine matches for the Italian outfit last season on all fronts.
The Belgrad-born talent has been a consistent performer at the Stadio Artemio Franchi as he is averaging 2.5 shots, 0.9 key passes and 1.1 dribbles per game in the Serie A. However, he has been a bit untidy when distributing the ball in the final third, based on his pass success rate of 71.2% in top-flight football (stats via whoscored).
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Should Liverpool Break The Bank On Vlahovic?
Vlahovic has a good football IQ and can create a yard of space for himself to get a few strikes in at goal. He can engineer some decent chances for his teammates in the final third. Standing at 1.90m, the ex-Partizan talent can use his strong frame to win his fair share of aerial duels and doesn’t mind running the channels to provide an outlet for his teammates up top. However, he needs to be more accurate with his passing deep inside the opponent’s half if he wants to become a world-class forward someday.
At the moment, the Reds don’t need to add any fresh face to their attack as long as Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota remain fit in the remainder of this campaign. However, Vlahovic could be a decent option for Jurgen Klopp if he decides to let Divock Origi leave in January.
The Serbian centre-forward is good enough to fight for regular first-team football at Anfield and could serve as an upgrade over Origi as he will add a physical dimension to Klopp’s attack. At 21, Vlahovic has the potential to become a top striker someday, so it makes sense for Liverpool to break the bank on him when the transfer window reopens at the start of next year.
