18 Oct 2015

Liverpool Mega-Deal: Klopp to make €32m offer for 'exciting' title-winner who's like 'Del-Piero'

Back in January 2014, Liverpool were linked with a move for 'exciting' Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio, and new reports today suggest that Jurgen Klopp is also a big admirer of the Italy international.

According to Italian newspaper Gazetta Dello Sport:

* Marchisio is allegedly on Klopp's transfer wish-list.

* The Reds are planning to make a €32m January bid for the 29-year old midfielder.

Like Steven Gerrard, Marchisio is the archetypal one club man. he came through the youth ranks at Juventus, and has spent his entire senior career at the club.

As such, he'll probably fight tooth and nail to stay, and in a recent interview with JTV, Juve's official TV channel, he made it clear he doesn't want to leave:

"I have no intention to change, but every year there have been rumours that involved me. I have another two years on my deal with Juventus. I hope to play as long as possible here"

Former Juve President Giovanni Cobolli Gigli believes that Marchisio is well-placed to become an all-time club legend like another alleged Liverpool target of the past. He told Radio Sportiva:

"The memory of what Del Piero was will last forever. He was the greatest player in the club’s history. Now let us hope that we can find a worthy successor, and that could be Marchisio.”

Marchisio - nicknamed 'Il Principino' by Juve's fans - can play defensively, but his greater strength is operating in front of a deep-lying midfield playmaker, and linking the play between midfield and attack.

In my view, Liverpool desperately need that kind of player. Emre Can certainly isn't the answer, and he proved that again against Spurs on Saturday. Ditto Lucas/Allen.

Having said that, there's always the nagging doubt about the effectiveness in the Premier League of Italy-based players. Liverpool's record with players from Serie A is woeful, with Dossena, Aquilani, and Borini - combined cost £37m (!) - being the three most glaring examples of Italian players who couldn't settle at Anfield.

Marchisio, however, is an experienced international, and a bona-fide *winner*. He'd instantly improve Liverpool's squad, and given his experience, there's a higher probability that he'd hit the ground running. Plus, he averages 40+ games a season, and has missed only 15 games through injury since 2010.

If Liverpool sign a player like Marchisio, then something will have to give in midfield. The club cannot support SIX senior, international central midfielders, and having them all at the club will create unhealthy competition. Henderson is the club captain, and when he's fit, he'll play most games (and deservedly so, although that may change). My money is on Can being the one to suffer.

If Liverpool spend €32m on Marchisio, he 'aint gonna be on the bench.

Jaimie K


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