Liverpool are reportedly interested in Napoli midfielder Piotr Zielinski, but signing him will be difficult due to his lengthy contract with the Serie A outfit.
According to a report from Calciomercato, Liverpool hold an interest in Napoli and Poland midfield mainstay Piotr Zielinski, with manager Jurgen Klopp believed to be a great admirer of the 27-year-old.
Zielinski has been in Italy since 2011 when he joined Udinese from boyhood club Zaglebie Lubin. Having initially joined up with the club’s Under-19 side, he graduated into the first-team but managed just 20 senior appearances. After a two-year loan stint at Empoli between 2014 and 2016, he left Udinese permanently to sign for Napoli.
Since signing for the Partenopei, the Poland international has grown into a key member of the side, racking up 261 appearances, in which he has 38 goals and 33 assists. A versatile operator, Zielinski adds value to the team with his ability to play in the double pivot, or in the attacking midfield role or even in the wide areas, along with the energy and the work rate that he offers.
Zielinski has been one of Napoli’s most dependable players this season, producing five goals and assists apiece, helping them make a push for the Serie A title under Luciano Spaletti. And his development over the years has gathered him an admirer in Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool.
The report adds that the German tactician has been following Zielinski’s progress from his days at Udinese and is interested in bringing him to Anfield. Liverpool will need to reinforce their midfield sooner rather than later. The Reds did not sign a replacement after losing Georginio Wijnaldum last summer.
In addition to that, the likes of James Milner, Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara are into their thirties and not getting any younger. So, it might be time for Klopp & co. to start building for the future. It has led to links with several midfielders, with Barcelona youngster Gavi touted as a target, along with Borussia Dortmund wonderkid Jude Bellingham.
Now, Zielinski has also emerged as an option for the Merseyside giants. However, the report adds that signing the midfielder will not be easy owing to his contract situation. The 27-year-old penned a new deal with Napoli last year, committing his future to the club till 2024, with the Serie A bigwigs also retaining the option of extending it by another twelve months.
It means that Zielinski effectively has more than three years left on his contract, and it would take a large sum of money for Napoli to consider parting ways with him. So, Liverpool might decide to look at other options to strengthen their midfield unit.
