Liverpool have been linked with Italian international and Cagliari midfielder Nicolo Barella and the latest reports seem positive for the Reds.
According to La Nuova Sardegna, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has followed the youngster closely for quite some time and he is “ready to make an offer” to bring him to Anfield.
The Italian outlet have mentioned that the German manager thinks Barella would be a good fit in the Premier League but the real question is, will he be willing to meet Cagliari’s asking price of 50 million euros (£44million).
Read: Report – Liverpool keen on signing £30million in-form player
La Nuova Sardegna further state that Liverpool do have the economic power to get the signing done but the likes of Atletico, Bayern, Milan, Inter and Juve also want to hire his services.
Our take:
The 21-year-old starlet is a versatile talent, who can play in multiple midfield positions. Still, Liverpool really do not need to sign him for the following reasons:
- The Merseysiders have an overcrowded midfield department after signing Fabinho and Keita in the summer. The former Monaco player cost a lot but he has mainly been a bench warmer thus far this season because Klopp has preferred the likes of Milner and Wijnaldum in his midfield.
- Barella is considered to be a creative midfielder but he did not provide a single assist in the last campaign and so far in 9 appearances in the current campaign, he has only scored once and provided no assist.
- Klopp needs to replace Coutinho. The former Dortmund boss failed to lure Fekir last summer and should look to sign someone like him before looking at options to reinforce other departments.