Liverpool and Juventus are reportedly among the clubs interested in the services of Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic this summer.
According to Il Messaggero, Liverpool have emerged as a potential destination for Serge Milinkovic-Savic. The Lazio midfielder is facing an uncertain future in Rome, especially after the pandemic that was ushered in financial turmoil across the Italian league and indeed in most other top leagues in Europe.
It appears Liverpool are keen on taking advantage of the situation by prising Milinkovic-Savic away from Lazio. Their head coach Jurgen Klopp is a huge admirer of the Serbian international, regarded as one of the best midfielders in Serie A.
The report further suggests that the Reds are preparing to contact the player’s agent and determine whether a move in the summer would be possible. However, Liverpool are tipped to face stiff competition from Italian champions Juventus, who are actively looking for midfield reinforcements, amid reports linking Aaron Ramsey with a return to Arsenal.
Liverpool’s interest in Milinkovic-Savic, meanwhile, stems from the recent departure of Georginio Wijnaldum. The Dutchman has joined Paris Saint-Germain after running down his contract at Anfield this past season. His exit has already created a massive void in the club’s midfield department.
It has also left Klopp desperate to find a proper replacement for the former Newcastle United star. One of the Liverpool manager’s main target is compatriot Florian Neuhaus. However, in Milinkovic-Savic, Liverpool will find themselves a much more accomplished midfielder with significant experience at the highest level of football.
Indeed, the 26-year-old has notched up 247 competitive appearances for Lazio since joining the club in 2015. Much like Wijnaldum, the Serbian international has the knack of going forward and scoring goals as well, having been directly involved in an astounding 85 goals during his time in Rome.
It is quite an impressive tally for a central midfielder. But in addition to his experience and productivity, Milinkovic-Savic offers the much-needed aggression and leadership to the table. It is an ideal combination for someone hoping to thrive under the tactical leadership of Klopp, essentially making the Lazio midfielder one of the best options in the market for Liverpool.
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However, it remains to be seen whether the Reds can afford Milinkovic-Savic, although his valuation remains unknown for now. Liverpool also have to fight off interest from Juventus and perhaps even offload some of their fringe players in midfield, including Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who is a target for West Ham United.
