Liverpool have been reportedly told by Serie A club Lazio that the bidding for their star midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic starts at £67 million next summer.
The Reds lost Georginio Wijnaldum on a free transfer to Paris Saint-Germain earlier this summer after the Dutchman chose not to renew his stay at Anfield. Having not replaced Wijnaldum during the past transfer window, Jurgen Klopp could be in the market for a new midfielder in 2022.
According to Italian news outlet Calciomercato, Liverpool would have to make a sensational offer to sign Lazio’s Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, who is also on the radar of Juventus. The report adds that Lazio want to extend the Serbian international’s contract until 2025 as they attempt to secure one of their prized asset’s future at the club.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, 26, has established himself as one of the most complete midfielders in Europe under the tutelage of Simone Inzaghi, who is now the manager of Inter Milan. And the big Serbian showed no mercy on his former boss this season as he helped Lazio produce a 3-1 comeback victory over Inter Milan at the Stadio Olimpico.
The 26-year-old midfielder has been the driving force behind Lazio’s success in recent years and it is no surprise to see him being linked with a move to Liverpool.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic to Liverpool—Should the Reds make a move?
Liverpool are back to their best this season, with their famed trio of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane linking well again, creating chances and scoring goals aplenty. The Reds are hot favourites for the Premier League title after meekly relinquishing it to Manchester City last season.
One concern the Merseyside outfit do have is the lack of depth in their squad, unlike fellow title-challengers Manchester City and Chelsea. As emphatically proven last season, Liverpool are one or two injuries away from having a disappointing campaign which means Jurgen Klopp should beef up his squad with some quality additions in the upcoming transfer windows to maintain Liverpool’s dominance in England in recent times.
Having failed to sign a replacement for Wijnaldum, an addition of a central midfielder has to be prioritised by the Reds. In that regard, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic would fit the bill perfectly at Anfield.
Milinkovic-Savic has proven himself in Serie A as a top central midfielder, one who can do a bit of almost everything and do it well. A midfield powerhouse, the Serb is a solid passer of the ball, has the vision to unlock rigid defences and use his physicality and power to win aerial duels. He is a creative player but never shirks away from fulfilling his defensive responsibilities.
The 26-year-old would instantly increase the Reds’ productivity in midfield, as demonstrated by his numbers of 50 goals and 40 assists in 257 appearances across all competitions for Lazio. Apart from his productivity, Milinkovic-Savic’s off the ball work rate, tenacity, pressing and aggression make him an ideal fit in Klopp’s system at Anfield.
Thus, Liverpool must not hesitate to splash upwards of £67 million to sign the Lazio ace, as he has the required qualities to thrive in the fast-paced and physical nature of English football.
