Liverpool have turned their attention to Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic as a potential replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum following his move to Paris Saint-Germain.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, 26, has established himself as one of the top midfielders in Serie A since arriving at Lazio from KRC Genk in 2015. The Serbian international won Lazio’s player of the season award for the 2020/21 campaign. He contributed with eight goals and 10 assists in 32 league games, helping Biancocelesti finish sixth in the Serie A table.
The central midfielder’s consistent performances in Serie A has caught Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp’s attention. Klopp’s Liverpool are contemplating launching a bid to try to bring Milinkovic-Savic to Anfield. He could be available for around €60 million this summer, regardless of still having three years left on his contract at Stadio Olimpico.
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Liverpool eyeing reinforcements this transfer window
Liverpool endured a tough last season in the Premier League; however, they still managed to scrape third-place with a 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace on the final day of the campaign.
The Reds struggled with injuries in the centre-back department throughout the 2020/21 campaign, with Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip all ending their campaign on the sidelines. In their absence, Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams stepped up and delivered some big performances during the business end to help Klopp’s side achieve a place in the Champions League.
The Merseyside outfit have responded with the signing of Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig. Konate is a top young central defender who will add quality and depth to Liverpool’s backline. After strengthening his centre-back options, Klopp has turned his focus towards the midfield area.
Jurgen Klopp wants to replace Georginio Wijnaldum at Anfield
Georginio Wijnaldum has joined Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer from Liverpool, leaving a huge void in Klopp’s squad. The Dutchman’s energy, intensity and ability to chip in with crucial goals made him such a key player for Klopp. Plus, the midfielder’s experience, especially in big games, will be a huge miss.
Following Wijnaldum’s departure, Xherdan Shaqiri is also likely to follow suit, with Lazio understood to be interested in signing him after Euro 2020. Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain struggle for fitness regularly, meaning Klopp cannot rely on the midfield duo.
Thus, injuries could leave the midfield overstretched next season if Liverpool fails to sign a central midfielder.
Milinkovic-Savic could be a smashing signing for the Reds
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has been one of the best performers in Serie A in recent years. A box-to-box midfielder, the technically-gifted 26-year-old excels in creating chances for his teammates and scoring goals, whilst putting in a great shift defensively.
The Serbian international registered a Lazio career-high 18 goal involvements in Serie A, which highlight his attacking influence. He would be ideal in Klopp’s 4-3-3 system at Liverpool, offering great quality at both ends of the pitch. In addition, the Lazio star would be an instant upgrade on the departed Wijnaldum.
At 26, Milinkovic-Savic is about to enter the peak years of his career, so there isn’t a better time for Liverpool to pull out all the stops in luring him away from Lazio to Anfield.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.