21 Apr 2016

Transfer Boost: £62k-a-week Argentine star wanted by Liverpool confirms he's 'ready' to sign for a 'big' club

In January, the Daily Express reported that Liverpool were 'determined' to sign Empoli star Leandro Paredes, and the Argentine midfielder has now confirmed that he is 'ready' for a transfer to a bigger club.

In February, Gianluca DiMarzio (Sky Sports Italy) 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".

Soon after, Gazetta Dello Sport claimed that Liverpool and Man City are favourites to sign Paredes.

When asked over the weekend about his future, Paredes confirmed that he's thinking about a transfer:

“I feel ready for the big step up in my career. Serie A is more technical than the Premier League. Their football goes at a very fast pace, but you can never do without technique".

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

* 21-year old Argentine who plays as a defensive midfielder or Empoli. 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 42 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, but he is learning to be better ".

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

If (as seems to be the case) Klopp is genuinely targeting 2-3 central midfielders this summer, it must mean big changes are coming, but who is most vulnerable to being replaced? Lucas and Joe Allen are valuable squad players, but they're arguably expendable (i.e. upgradeable), but the biggest casualty may turn out to be Jordan Henderson, who is reportedly on the outs at Anfield.

With the rise of Kevin Stewart, do Liverpool even need to sign a dedicated defensive-midfielder? Stewart appears to have all the attributes required to be effective for the Reds in the role, so why sign someone else, especially with Emre Can also in the squad?


Author: Jaimie K


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