Liverpool might have already sealed a move for RB Leipzig star Naby Keita but expect the club to busy in the summer transfer window as Emre Can’s contract negotiations have stalled.
Can himself stated that the standoff wasn’t about the money. Perhaps he wants a move to a club who can guarantee him silverware, a side like Juventus who have been strongly linked with the German in the last few months.
While there is still hope he might sign an extension, Liverpool can’t wait on the German. Recent reports have linked the Merseyside outfit with Napoli midfielder Jorginho.
The Italian has had a couple of stellar seasons at Napoli and his agent revealed that the player’s value has substantially increased and only the Premier League sides can afford him. Liverpool will have money to spend considering they sold Coutinho in the summer and with a few deadwood players likely to leave, they can go big and sign the 26-year old.
Jorginho – Player stats
The Brazilian born midfielder has been a key figure in the midfield for Napoli. Maurizio Sarri‘s side are perhaps the most entertaining side to watch in the Serie A as they like to play a free-flowing and pressing style of football. Jorginho’s role in the central midfield is to spread the play and his ability to intercept the ball is also pretty impressive.
So far this season, he has mustered a passing accuracy of 89.1% in the league. His passing and interception stats aren’t all that impressive in the Serie A as Napoli tend to keep the ball and teams often play a more cautious approach. He has recorded 1.7 interceptions and 1.9 tackles a game. But in the Champions League earlier this season, he recorded impressive tackling numbers of 3.5 a game.
What will he add to Liverpool?
Liverpool’s defence has faltered in the past and one of the reasons is because of the lack of cover the midfield offers. Jordan Henderson is a key player but he isn’t the most sound defensively and there have been games where he has failed to deal with the movement in front of him.
Emre Can has had a good season but even he has his flaws as he isn’t good chasing the ball and is more of an attack-minded player.
Jorginho is at the peak of his prowess and has been solid at the back. His presence will allow Naby Keita to play a more attacking role in which he has flourished for Leipzig.
The Bundesliga side have Diego Demme alongside Keita who is more of an enabler and Liverpool need someone who can do that role, be it with a bit more mojo.
Stats via Whoscored