Liverpool are reportedly in the race to sign Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic, in the summer. The Serbian has been with the Italian club since 2017 and has become a key player for the side.
As per Calciomercato, the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Milenkovic, while AC Milan were previously keen on the defender. Milan reportedly tried to sign him last year but backed out due to the €40 million price tag set by Fiorentina. Nikola Milenkovic wants to leave the club and it’s unlikely that he will sign a new deal, which expires in 2022.
The Serbian international moved to Fiorentina from Partizan in 2017 for a fee of around €5.1 million.
Nikola Milenkovic: A top option for Klopp?
Nikola Milenkovic has raised a few eyebrows with his performances for Fiorentina in the last few years. The 23-year-old is primarily a central defender, but he is also played as a right-back on occasion. The 6’5″ Serbian is a commanding defender in the air, winning an average of 3.5 aerial balls per game in the 2020-21 Serie A season.
The defender is a good reader of the game from the back, quick to nip in and dispossess the opponent. Nikola Milenkovic presses well, pushing forward to compress the midfield area, and is also solid in one-on-one situations. Many have likened him to former Manchester United central defender Nemanja Vidic, thanks to his aggressive defending.
The 23-year-old could be a good addition to Jurgen Klopp’s side as he has shown aggression, not just in the air but also on the ground, while also showing great pressing ability, which is a hallmark of Klopp sides. Milenkovic is a player that could grow from strength to strength under a manager like Klopp as well.
The Serbian may not be anywhere near the level of Virgil van Dijk, but he has the tools to be a solid squad player, who could challenge for the slot alongside the Dutch defender. Joel Matip has had numerous injuries in his time at Liverpool, which has been a big letdown for Liverpool, while Joe Gomez has had dips in his form. The addition of Milenkovic would give firm competition to Gomez and help the Englishman up his game, while also adding depth to the Reds’ squad.
