7 Mar 2016

Anfield-bound? Liverpool Reps fly out to watch 'excellent' €4m Argentine midfielder who idolises 'Riquelme'

With Marko Grujic already signed, it appears that Liverpool are still in the market for midfielders, and according to reports over the weekend, the Reds are still tracking Empoli star Leandro Paredes.

In January, the Daily Express reported that Liverpool are 'determined' to sign Paredes, and on Sunday, Gianluca DiMarzio (Sky Sports Italy) further claimed:

"At today's Genoa-Empoli game, there were a few Liverpool scouts present to observe Leandro Paredes [who is] highly regarded by Jurgen Klopp".

Some info about Paredes, described by Empoli boss Marco Giampolo as 'excellent':

* 21-year old central Argentine central midfielder, who can also play on the left wing, or as an attacking midfielder.

* Owned by Roma (Signed for €4m from Boca Juniors), but currently on loan at Empoli. 5 goals/assists in 37 games for Empoli and Roma.

* Dec 2015: Giampolo outlined Paredes' role for the club: "For me, his role is that of the director in front of the defense".

* Dec 2015: Giampolo also highlighted a specific weakness: "When he arrived, he had concentration issues during the game, but now he is learning to be better in this area".

* Aug 2014: Francesco Totti's assessment: "Paredes has something more than the others. I think he has a bright future ahead".

* Feb 2015: Paredes told reporters: “Riquelme is my idol. Totti is also a great player, and I have learned a lot from both of them.”

According to Giampolo, Paredes seems to operate in a similar position to Marko Grujic, so is he really needed?

If (as seems to be the case) Klopp is genuinely targeting 2-3 central midfielders this summer, it must mean big changes are coming, with Lucas and Joe Allen particularly vulnerable to being replaced.


Author: Jaimie K


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