AS Roma playmaker Lorenzo Pellegrini has reportedly emerged as the latest target for Liverpool, as Jurgen Klopp eyes midfield reinforcements.
According to a report from Fichajes, Liverpool’s search for a new attacking midfielder has led them towards Lorenzo Pellegrini. The AS Roma starlet has emerged as a potential option, with Jurgen Klopp desperate to bolster his options not only in defence but also in midfield.
It is no secret that Roma are currently suffering from financial turmoil and might need to cash in on a few of their star players. Liverpool are intent on using this situation to prise Pellegrini away from Stadio Olimpico, although the player’s future depends on whether or not Jose Mourinho opts to sanction a sale.
A product of the Roma youth academy, Pellegrini initially made his name during a two-year spell at Sassuolo before returning to Rome in 2017, for a fee of €10 million. The 24-year-old has since emerged as one of the club’s key components in attack, notching up well over 150 competitive appearances.
The Italian international has been involved in a total of 55 goals in all competitions while also winning 17 caps for the Azzurri. During his time with the Giallorossi, Pellegrini has established himself as a talented playmaker, who can not only create chances but also find himself in goalscoring opportunities.
With seven goals and seven assists, Pellegrini was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise dire campaign for Roma this past season. It also earned him a call-up to the Italy squad for the upcoming European Championship. And it appears his performances have not gone unnoticed by Liverpool either, as they attempt to secure his services in the summer.
The Reds’ interest in the Roma captain stems from their insecurities in the midfield department. Georginio Wijnaldum has already left Anfield, while Liverpool are expected to cash in on Xherdan Shaqiri in the summer.
Even Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain has been a subject of transfer speculation, one that will leave Klopp devoid of options in the creative unit. The addition of Lorenzo Pellegrini, in that regard, makes a lot of sense, as the Italian international can offer quality and depth in the Liverpool midfield.
The 24-year-old is quite versatile as well, having the ability to operate in a central midfield and even in the holding midfield role. It should, therefore, make him an ideal partner for the likes of Thiago Alcantara and Jordan Henderson in the Liverpool midfield.
Pellegrini could potentially become Liverpool’s second signing of the summer, after Ibrahima Konate, who arrived from RB Leipzig about a month ago. There are, however, question marks over whether the deal will even go through, knowing Mourinho will be determined to keep hold of his main attacking playmaker.