Liverpool are once again being linked with a move for Belgian international Axel Witsel.
According to Italian newspaper Tutto Mercato:
"Liverpool, PSG, Inter Milan, Juventus, and AC Milan are all keen on signing Axel Witsel, who is refusing to sign a new contract at Zenit St. Petersburg"
Recent LFC transfer timeline:
* Jun 2016: Tutto Mercato claimed: "Man Utd, Chelsea and Liverpool are interested in signing Alex Witsel".
* Jul 2016: When asked about Witsel's future, Zenit boss Mircea Lucescu noted: "He [Witsel] has asked to leave. He has two offers from Italy and two from England".
Witsel definitely wants a move to the Premier League, and he confirmed this in September:
"I'd like to play next season in the Premier League or Italy. I hope to move up a level and play for a big European club".
Some info about 27-year old Witsel, hailed by Belgium boss Marc Wilmots for his 'outstanding' performances at Euro 2016:
* Central midfielder, who plays most often as a defensive midfielder (60% of games). Contract expires: 2017.
* Zenit: 35 goals/assists in 175 games (One every 445 mins). 78 apps for the Belgium national team (8 goals).
* Missed only 6 games through injury for his entire career. Averaged 54 games a season for the last five years.
* Apr 2015: On his idols: "Zidane, with his control and skill. I also love Pirlo. They've inspired me to keep working on my left foot long passing".
* Apr 2015: On his strengths: "I’m always calm and relaxed. My biggest attribute is the way I shield the ball, and that I don’t tend to give it away".
Witsel is arguably an upgrade on Can, Lucas, Wijnaldum (who is not a dedicated central midfielder), and possibly even Henderson; his fantastic injury history is a major positive, and he offers significant international and Champions League experience.
According to his agent, the Belgian is worth '€40m', but Zenit's bargaining position is significantly weakened due to Witsel having only one year left on his contract, so that should (in theory) bring the price down.
Worth pursuing?
According to Italian newspaper Tutto Mercato:
"Liverpool, PSG, Inter Milan, Juventus, and AC Milan are all keen on signing Axel Witsel, who is refusing to sign a new contract at Zenit St. Petersburg"
Recent LFC transfer timeline:
* Jun 2016: Tutto Mercato claimed: "Man Utd, Chelsea and Liverpool are interested in signing Alex Witsel".
* Jul 2016: When asked about Witsel's future, Zenit boss Mircea Lucescu noted: "He [Witsel] has asked to leave. He has two offers from Italy and two from England".
Witsel definitely wants a move to the Premier League, and he confirmed this in September:
"I'd like to play next season in the Premier League or Italy. I hope to move up a level and play for a big European club".
Some info about 27-year old Witsel, hailed by Belgium boss Marc Wilmots for his 'outstanding' performances at Euro 2016:
* Central midfielder, who plays most often as a defensive midfielder (60% of games). Contract expires: 2017.
* Zenit: 35 goals/assists in 175 games (One every 445 mins). 78 apps for the Belgium national team (8 goals).
* Missed only 6 games through injury for his entire career. Averaged 54 games a season for the last five years.
* Apr 2015: On his idols: "Zidane, with his control and skill. I also love Pirlo. They've inspired me to keep working on my left foot long passing".
* Apr 2015: On his strengths: "I’m always calm and relaxed. My biggest attribute is the way I shield the ball, and that I don’t tend to give it away".
Witsel is arguably an upgrade on Can, Lucas, Wijnaldum (who is not a dedicated central midfielder), and possibly even Henderson; his fantastic injury history is a major positive, and he offers significant international and Champions League experience.
According to his agent, the Belgian is worth '€40m', but Zenit's bargaining position is significantly weakened due to Witsel having only one year left on his contract, so that should (in theory) bring the price down.
Worth pursuing?
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