According to a report from Gazzetta dello Sport (print edition, July 30, page 28), Liverpool are now in the race to sign Manuel Locatelli.
Premier League rivals Arsenal have been linked with the Italian all summer and have even been given a deadline.
While the Reds being linked with Locatelli is exciting, nothing has changed. Liverpool need to sell to free up funds and to free up a non-homegrown space in the squad.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 11: Xherdan Shaqiri of Liverpool celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Fulham FC at Anfield on November 11, 2018 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Locatelli, an Italian defensive midfielder, would not be able to be registered at Anfield unless someone like Xherdan Shaqirie left the club.
The Swiss star wants a move to Lazio but until he or another non-UK native Liverpool player leaves this summer, Jurgen Klopp’s hands are tied.
Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Liverpool have joined the race to sign talented midfielder Locatelli and with Sassuolo demanding £35million for his services, he’s a relatively affordable option.
REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – DECEMBER 11: Manuel Locatelli of US Sassuolo gestures during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo and Benevento Calcio at Mapei Stadium – Città del Tricolore on December 11, 2020 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Locatelli, who talkSPORT describe as a ‘midfield sensation’, would be an incredible addition to Liverpool’s midfield and while it wouldn’t make fans forget about Georginio Wijnaldum, he would go some distance to ensuring the Reds are well-stocked in the engine room.
The Sassuolo man stands at 1.86m and would further increase Liverpool’s ability to defend set-pieces as well as attack them.
With the Reds yet to add a new attacker, scoring goals from corners and free-kicks will be vital so the Italian would be useful in the final third of the pitch.
