Liverpool are ready to make a move for Roma midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini to replace an outgoing star. The Italian international came through the ranks at Roma and had a short spell at Sassuolo before returning to Roma and becoming a key player for the side.
As per Corriere Dello Sport (via The Sun) the Premier League side have made a bid of £25.8 million for Lorenzo Pellegrini, who will replace Georginio Wijnaldum in the Liverpool midfield. Barcelona are also reportedly keen on signing the 24-year-old midfielder. Pellegrini, who rejoined Roma in 2017, has just a year remaining on his current deal at the club.
The Italian international has played 17 times for his national side and is part of Italy’s Euro 2020 squad.
Lorenzo Pellegrini: Can he offer their midfield something different?
The exit of Georginio Wijnaldum is a huge loss for Liverpool as the Dutch midfielder was a key component in the club’s recent successes. The Dutchman’s energy, dribbling ability and goals from midfield were vital for the Merseyside club.
The Reds will need to bring in a player who offers something similar in midfield as they don’t have any other player in their squad possessing those qualities. Pellegrini could be a good choice for Liverpool as he offers a big threat going forward, be it with his passing or goals.
The Italian is a midfielder who is strong, has loads of energy, and covers the area between both boxes without breaking much of a sweat. Lorenzo Pellegrini is a team player who contributes both in attack and defence, using his strength and stamina to help out his defence, while also being a threat in the opposition box. The 6’1″ midfielder averaged 1.2 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game in the Serie A last season.
He was superb going forward, with 7 goals and 6 assists in the league for Roma. The Italian has the ability to thread balls past the opposition defence, averaging 1.9 key passes per game last season, as well as putting in crosses into the box. The 24-year-old’s ability with and without the ball fits perfectly with Jurgen Klopp’s style of play. Pellegrini is an all-action midfielder who can contribute in defence or attack, and can also play two positions well – central midfield and attacking midfield.
He is still a young player who could improve considerably under the tutelage of the German manager. He will need to be given some time to adapt to Premier League football. Pellegrini would be a good fit alongside Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Thiago in the Liverpool midfield and an able replacement for Wijnaldum.
