Liverpool are eyeing a summer move to Napoli star Lorenzo Insigne, it has been claimed.
The Reds refrained from spending money in the January transfer window and surprisingly, decided to loan out Nathaniel Clyne.
Jurgen Klopp’s side are at the top of the table, but the coming months will test the overall depth of the squad, which isn’t as strong as title rivals Manchester City.
According to La Repubblica, Liverpool were ready with a bid of €70 million, but didn’t make an official bid in January. Napoli chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis, however, is looking for a fee in the range of €150 million.
Lorenzo Insigne to Liverpool – Return of the Fab Four?
Roberto Firmino’s role as a withdrawn striker has brought in more balance to the Liverpool team.
Although Mohamed Salah has done well up top, his ability to take on defenders and leave them for dead on the right wing is something the team has missed this season.
Insigne’s potential arrival might give the Liverpool attack a more natural look next season.
The Italian has played 16 times as a centre-forward for Napoli this season, and has mustered six goals and five assists in the process.
Though Insigne’s ability in the final third is often something people look at, his combination play with the rest of the attackers might make him a big success at Liverpool if he eventually moves to Anfield.
Under Maurizio Sarri, Insigne was part of a triumvirate of attackers that many considered the best in the Serie A if not in Europe.
With players like Firmino, Mane and Salah, Insigne’s addition would make Liverpool’s attack almost unplayable at times because of the combining ability of the players.
While on the break, Liverpool are one of the best in the league if not the best. Against low-blocks, the team have done well but there is room for improvement.
What the stats say about Insigne
Insigne averages 2.4 key passes a game in the Serie A, which shows that he plays a big role in the build-up play.
The Italian has a tendency of rushing with the shots, having averaged 4.5 shots per game, which doesn’t really look good considering he has managed just eight goals in the league.
His passing for a forward has been top-notch, though. With an accuracy of 85.9%, he has shown the composure in the attacking third.
At 27, Insigne is at the peak of his prowess and is under contract with Napoli until 2022, but a fee of €150 million might be beyond Liverpool. It remains to be seen if they can get him for nearly half that price, a fee they are more willing to pay.
Stats via Whoscored
