Liverpool are reportedly set to revive their interest in Napoli midfielder Piotr Zielinski.
The Merseyside club came close to agreeing a deal for the Poland international in the summer of 2016, but difficult negotiations with Udinese led them to sign Georginio Wijnaldum instead. The midfielder went on to join Napoli for just £14million in 2016. Seven years later, he looks to be on the move again with his current deal with Napoli coming to an end next summer with no prospect of renewal on the horizon.
According to Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport (h/t The Daily Mirror), Liverpool have expressed an interest in signing Piotr Zielinski next year, but they face competition from Serie A giants Juventus.
Zielinski, 29, has scored 50 goals and registered 46 assists in 343 games for Napoli so far. The Polish midfielder played a pivotal role in helping the Naples-based outfit to their first Scudetto in 33 years. He will be free to talk to other clubs from the beginning of January, with Liverpool expected to battle with Juventus for his signature.
Piotr Zielinski to Liverpool—Good option?
Liverpool’s midfield has undergone wholesale changes earlier this summer with the exits of James Milner, Jordan Henderson, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and Fabinho. The club have replaced them with the signings of Alexis Mac Allister, Wataru Endo, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai, and the new arrivals have all played their roles in the Reds’ bright start to the 2023/24 campaign.
Jurgen Klopp’s side had a poor 2022/23 campaign but they have shown promising signs of comeback as they lie third in the table, three points behind league leaders Tottenham. The Reds will be keen to get back in the Champions League after missing out this year, which could then help them to attract some high-profile footballers to Anfield.
Despite revamping the midfield unit, Liverpool could be in the hunt for a new central midfielder in 2024 as cover for Szoboszlai, who has quickly become a part of Klopp’s furniture. Napoli’s Piotr Zielinski, in that regard, could be ideal for the Reds.
Zielinski has proven himself in Serie A, and the opportunity to showcase his ability in the Premier League can prove to be hard to turn down. Signing a player of his quality and experience on a free transfer could prove to be a fantastic investment, and Liverpool would do well to secure his services.
It will be interesting to see if Napoli decide to sell the Pole in January to avoid losing him for free in the summer of 2024, with contract renewal not in the plans. Liverpool are hoping to snap him up on a bargain at the end of the season, and it remains to be seen whether they can beat Juventus to his signature.