Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Group C - Poland v Saudi Arabia - Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan, Qatar - November 26, 2022 Saudi Arabia's Feras Al Brikan in action with Poland's Piotr Zielinski REUTERS/Jennifer Lorenzini
Liverpool have shortlisted Napoli star Piotr Zielinski as a target alongside Jude Bellingham, according to reports.
The Lowdown: Liverpool eye Bellingham move…
It’s no secret that the Premier League giants hold a very serious interest in the Borussia Dortmund sensation, as multiple reports have suggested over the past few months.
When compared to England’s top two current teams Manchester City and Arsenal, Jurgen Klopp’s side are arguably bereft of midfield depth and need to significantly invest in key areas to get back challenging for major honours again.
Bellingham could be the perfect target given his all-round ability and phenomenal form for Dortmund this season, but if he is deemed out of reach, it appears that Liverpool have shortlisted a few alternatives – including Zielinski.
The Latest: Liverpool also eyeing Zielinski…
According to journalist Rudy Galetti, writing on his website, the Poland international is now a target for the Reds.
The 28-year-old, who is currently at the World Cup in Qatar, joins Liverpool’s shortlist alongside other midfield targets like Bellingham, Declan Rice, Moises Caicedo and Mikel Merino.
The Verdict: Good alternative?
Called a ‘beautiful footballer‘ by former Poland national team boss Paulo Sousa, Zielinski’s current deal expires in 2024 and contains a £94m release clause.
However, Napoli are arguably quite likely to agree to a much lower fee than that, given that his contract has just over 18 months left to run.
The Serie A leaders could be pressured into agreeing a lower fee, and Zielinski could be worth the effort from Liverpool considering that Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti – no stranger to working with elite footballers – thinks he is a ‘complete’ player.
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