Report: Liverpool are now trying to sign a £69m midfielder who Neymar has called a ‘genius’

 

Liverpool could be one of the sides in the mix to sign PSG midfielder Marco Verratti this summer.

The Reds are currently on the lookout for a new specialist No.6, to replace the out-going Fabinho. With that in mind, all sorts of names are starting to come to light as possible targets.

And according to L’Equipe, there’s a new one to now add to the mix. They claim that there’s a possibility that Liverpool are one of two unnamed English clubs trying to bring Verratti to the Premier League.

The Italian is reportedly up for sale this summer as the French side change direction. Verratti himself is said to be open to the idea of an exit and seemingly has no shortage of suitors.

So far, the primary one are claimed to be Atletico Madrid. The Spaniards are said to have already been in contact with the 30-year-old and have made him their top target. Then there’s – inevitably – the Saudi Arabians. However, Verratti has reportedly so far turned down advances from Al Hilal.

And finally, there’s claimed to be two Premier League teams on his trail. L’Equipe put one forward as Liverpool, but there’s no concrete claim on that. What is asserted is that PSG will ask for around £69m to sell Verratti this summer. Steep

Liverpool in the mix for Verratti

Although Verratti would clearly improve Liverpool’s thinning midfield, we think we can categorically rule this one out.

It isn’t out of the question that the Reds will opt for a more experienced player to replace Fabinho. But there’s virtually no chance of them spending close to £70m on such a player. Especially not one who turns 31 in November.

Instead, someone more in the £30-40m price range would be more palatable. Someone like the recently linked Leon Goretzka, perhaps.

It’s possible that Verratti is worth the extra money, in terms of quality at least. The Italy international is possibly a little underrated having spent over a decade essentially stat-padding league titles in France.

On his day, he’s one of the finest holding midfielders on the planet. Terrier-like and excellent on the ball, Verratti looks perfect for English football. Neymar has called him ‘spectacular’ and a ‘genius’ [The Mirror] during their years together.

Unfortunately though, he does have a real problem with injuries. If Liverpool are to shell out on a big name, big money signing, they have to make sure they’re robust enough to get on the pitch as regularly as Fabinho did. In 11 Ligue 1 seasons, Verratti has only played 25 games or more on five occasions. He’s hit 30 appearances just once. That’s a big worry.

So, if there are a couple of English suitors for Verratti, we would be beyond surprise to learn that Liverpool are one of them.