Fabrizio Romano last week claimed that Atletico Madrid made an offer to Udinese for Rodrigo De Paul and Liverpool could gazump them with a €40million offer.
The Italian journalist tweeted on the 29th of May: “Atlético Madrid have opened talks to sign Rodrigo de Paul from Udinese.
“Many clubs in the race – Atléti offered €20m + players included as Nehuen Perez, Udinese want around €40m to sell de Paul.”
On the 11th of May, Il Milanista reported that he is ‘coveted’ by Stefano Piolo’s Milan side as well as Liverpool and Leeds United. The Reds are said to be in the ‘front row’ to sign the Argentine.
UDINE, ITALY – DECEMBER 15: Rodrigo de Paul of Udinese Calcio in action during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and FC Crotone at Dacia Arena on December 15, 2020 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
In all competitions for Udinese, De Paul got 20 goals and assists which underlines how good he is at impacting play from midfield which is something that has been missing at Anfield for some time now.
The Argentine is an attacking midfielder but to be fair, when Georginio Wijnaldum arrived at Anfield, he did so off the back of an impressive season for Newcastle United in which he scored 11 goals and provided 5 assists as the Magpies were relegated.
He followed that up with an impressive debut season for the Reds in which he was directly involved in 17 goals for Klopp’s Liverpool.
De Paul could have a similar effect for the Merseysiders and following a season in which Mo Salah seemed to be the only player scoring, adding more goals in midfield could be a wise move.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – APRIL 10: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Mohamed Salah of Liverpool in action during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Aston Villa at Anfield on April 10, 2021 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Udinese want €40million for De Paul which is why Atletico Madrid’s offer isn’t acceptable so, with Il Milanista’s report in mind, it stands to reason that if the Reds match their valuation of the Argentine, they would move into pole position to sign him.
It’s unclear whether or not Jurgen Klopp would make him a starter when all his players are fit and if he wouldn’t be a guaranteed starter, €40m might be a bit too steep given that Gini Wijnaldum leaves without earning a fee for the Reds.
His contract expires at the end of the month and he’s sparked speculation over the true reason for his departure, hinting that there is a more nefarious reason than a conflict over wages and the length of the contract.
