Liverpool were hoping for a new Serie A target in the summer transfer window and were even considering making a bid. The player heavily linked with Manchester United faces an uncertain future, according to Fabrizio Romano, as the Manchester City ace will appear on Monday’s Euro Paper Talk. much is offered.
Liverpool were interested in snapping up Napoli ace Eljif Elmas in the recent transfer window and battled RB Leipzig for the midfielder, according to a report.
Liverpool were always in need of a midfield overhaul in the summer with James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita all let go at the end of their contracts. However, Jurgen Klopp became more desperate when it emerged that experienced duo Fabinho and Jordan Henderson had both moved to Saudi Arabia.
The Reds signed Alexis MacAllister and Dominik Szoboszlai. They tried to bring in either Moises Caicedo or Romeo Lavia as their new defensive midfielder, but both players went to Chelsea.
The Merseyside giants have been impressed by Elmas’ performances in the 2022-23 season. He made 47 appearances in all competitions, scoring six goals and providing three assists during that time.
Playing in a variety of positions from defensive midfield to right wing, Elmas helped Napoli win their first Serie A title in 33 years.
Liverpool have made a €30m (£25.7m) bid in an attempt to beat Leipzig to the 23-year-old’s signature. However, Napoli responded with a “firm and decisive eiga” because they did not intend to let Elmas go.
Eljif Elmas, Nicolo Barella in the view of Klopp
Napoli had no pressure to sell as Elmas’ contract with them runs until June 2025.
It will be interesting to see if Liverpool return to the North Macedonian outfit in the next transfer window. Klopp may decide he needs another central midfielder to help his side challenge Manchester City and Arsenal for the Premier League title.
Elmas is not the only Serie A midfielder Liverpool are eyeing. They are also in the mix for Inter’s Nicolo Barella, who could be available next summer for £77m, according to reports.
MAN UTD WARNED AFTER FABRIZIO ROMANO’S UPDATE
Barcelona are not holding contract talks with Man Utd-bound Frenkie de Jong, despite reports that they will. Barca will also have to resolve a number of Financial Fair Play issues before handing the midfielder a new contract. (Fabrizio Romano)
Former Belgium and Newcastle star Philippe Albert has expressed his surprise that Everton midfielder Amadou Onana did not join the big club in the summer.
Romelu Lukaku’s agent, Sebastien Ledure, has claimed that Saudi Arabian teams have spent huge sums of money, making it difficult for his client to move to Europe.
Marco Verratti has turned down a call-up to the Italy squad as he focuses on a move from Paris Saint-Germain to Qatar’s Al Arabi. (L’Equipe)
REAL MADRID PLOT MAN CITY RAID
Real Madrid are targeting Man City striker Julian Alvarez as Pep Guardiola’s Brighton become Erling Haaland’s new strike partner Evan Ferguson. (Sports)
