Liverpool are ‘ready to renew their interest in Napoli midfielder Piotr Zielinski’ – whose contract expires next summer – seven years after Jurgen Klopp missed out on the Polish star… and signed Georginio Wijnaldum instead
- Reds were close to an agreement for the Poland international in the summer of 2016
- Piotr Zielinski joined Napoli for just £14m and would win Serie A in 2023
- Can Liverpool challenge for the title? Listen to the debate about It all starts
Liverpool are reportedly among the clubs considering a move for Napoli midfielder Piotr Zielinski, whose contract in Naples expires next summer.
The 29-year-old came close to a move to the Anfield club in the summer of 2016 – Jurgen Klopp’s first on Merseyside – but difficult negotiations with Udinese led the Reds to pursue a deal for Georginio Wijnaldum instead.
Seven years later, the Poland international appears to be back on track. His current contract expires in 2024, with no prospect of extension.
According to Corriere dello SportKlopp’s side are on the verge of renewing their interest in the Serie A champions, but they face competition from Juventus.
Zielinski, who scored 50 goals and provided 46 assists in 343 games for Napoli, may talk to other clubs about a summer transfer in January.
Piotr Zielinski could end his time at Serie A champions Napoli next summer
The midfielder has been on Jurgen Klopp’s radar for some time, having almost moved to the Anfield club in the German’s first summer transfer window at Liverpool.
The Reds were ultimately happy with their consolation prize, Georginio Wijnaldum, who proved crucial to their success at home and on the continent.
In 2016, Liverpool were frustrated by Udinese’s tough negotiations and pulled out of a deal for the midfielder, before the Italian club sold him to Napoli for just £14 million.
In Wijnaldum, however, the Reds won a more than worthy consolation prize. The Dutch international was a crucial part of Klopp’s winning squads in the Premier League and Champions League.
He made 237 appearances for the Premier League giants, recording 22 goals and 16 assists before leaving for PSG in 2021.
Liverpool’s midfield has undergone major changes this season with the departures of Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
The arrival of Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai has ensured that the team has made a solid start to this season, even after the disappointment of Sunday’s 1-1 draw against newly promoted Luton Town.