Aside from Ryan Sessegnonn, Liverpool are also scouting Cagliari midfielder Nicolò Barella. Barella has been under the Reds watch since January.
According to Italian source La Nuova cited by Football Insider revealed how “Jurgen Klopp sent his spies to watch the 20-year-old star during Cagliari’s 1-0 defeat, as he impressed despite being on the losing side.”
However, the same report that reported that went on revealing that Serie A giants AC Milan, AS Roma, Inter Milan, and Juventus are also interested in the Cagliari midfield gen, with the Italian side not set to part with the Italy U20 international yet.
The Reds boss interest in him makes some sense since the Merseyside culd use a new blood in the midfield areas. Specifically, the Anfield needs a replacement for Lucas Leiva.
The 30-year-old Brazilian international is the closest thing to a natural holding midfielder in Klopp’s team. Yet he has often been deployed as a backup in the centre-back this season.
Barella undeniably would be an ideal upgrade on Leiva thanks to both his physical style and quality technique. Butcher makes reference on how the youngster shines when on the ball as he said: “Known for his wonderful array of passing, Cagliari’s number 18 has a successful pass rate of 80.5 per cent as he continues to ply his trade in the middle of the park.”
Signing a deep-lying midfielder with the Italian’s pace and skills would allow the German boss to utilize the likes of Emre Can and Jordan Henderson forwardly.
Klopp seems to be all set in rehabilitating Liverpool’s squad on a foundation of youth and potential. It’s a smart move for a club without the financial resources of Premier Leagues rivals Manchester City, Chelsea, and keen rivals Manchester United.
If the former Borussia Dortmund manager could secure and quickly develop young stars such as Sessegnon and Barella, this would keep the Reds competitive among the mega-rich in England’s top flight.