Liverpool are reportedly eyeing a move to sign Napoli midfielder Lorenzo Insigne as a replacement for Philippe Coutinho, if he joins Barcelona
According to a report by The Mirror, Liverpool are keen for a move to land Lorenzo Insigne, in an attempt to replace Philippe Coutinho. The Brazilian made headlines over the past week for reportedly turning in a transfer request to the Merseyside club amid a strong interest from Barcelona.
It seems like manager Jurgen Klopp is wasting no time in lining up replacements for Coutinho. Napoli are understood to have insisted that Insigne is not for sale, with the new Serie-A season set to start next weekend. However, if Liverpool lose out on Coutinho, they will receive enough funds to change Napoli’s mind.
The Napoli man is also being targeted by Chelsea, since they have been looking for a player to fill in Eden Hazard’s shoes. After a miserable opening match against Burnley, Antonio Conte will be determined to get in reinforcements ahead of deadline day. However, if Coutinho joins Barcelona, Klopp will enter the race to sign Insigne.
Insigne took his own time in becoming a mainstay for Napoli. He gradually progressed through the ranks and served a few loan spells away from the club, following which he managed to establish himself as a key figure for the first-team.
A naturally attacking midfielder, Insigne was an instrumental part of Napoli’s attack in the previous season. In fact, the Italian club boasted one of the best attacking figures in the Serie-A – a major part of which was Insigne’s doing. He was in fierce form throughout 2016/17, playing all but one game.
How the situation plays out depends largely on Coutinho’s decision. Although speculations are rife that he will join the Catalan giants and force an exit from Liverpool, there is yet to be a confirmation of any sort. If Liverpool sign Insigne, he can prove to be a worthy replacement for Coutinho but it remains to be seen if he can fit in quickly.
It can seem like a daunting task for any player to replace a talented playmaker like Coutinho. Add to that the trials and tribulations of the Premier League, and it might be a tad bit tough for Insigne to fit in. With that being said, Insigne’s numbers are truly astounding, and he could potentially prove to be a valuable asset.
