Liverpool manager Arne Slott has urged Anfield bosses to make a quick and bargain move for the Napoli star. Now, the true identity of the target has finally been revealed.
The Reds have already identified targets ahead of the summer transfer window as they look to strengthen their squad in all positions, particularly defensive positions.
Despite a huge financial outlay last summer, this season’s performances show the Merseyside club is in need of a rebuild.
Liverpool offer transfer offer to Napoli star Buema
According to the latest report from Italian outlet AreaNapoli, Liverpool have made an offer of €28 million (approximately £24.2 million) for 27-year-old Dutch centre-back Sam Boukema.
It doesn’t take a tactical genius to understand exactly why Slots is pushing this particular deal so hard.
Slott is naturally familiar with the Dutch talent pool and it makes perfect sense to bring in a compatriot in his first transfer window who inherently understands his demanding possession-based football philosophy.
More importantly, Liverpool are actively looking to the future of their backline. Club captain Virgil van Dijk remains an absolute giant at the heart of the defense, but he is not getting any younger.
Bouukema has quietly developed into a serious commanding presence in Serie A and is a perfect fit for the Reds’ needs.
The 27-year-old is in the absolute prime of his career and boasts the physical maturity and tactical intelligence necessary to cope with the brutal and unrelenting pace of the Premier League.
The Liverpool manager relies heavily on his centre-backs, who are incredibly calm under intense pressure and can break down opposition teams with crisp, progressive passing.
Dutchman could sign bargain deal with Reds
Boukema has built an excellent reputation in Italy for his ball-playing ability and aggressive, front-foot defensive style.
What’s more, the reported £24.2m fee is absolute music to the ears of the Fenway Sports Group (FSG) recruitment team.
In today’s exorbitantly inflated market, where starting-level centre-backs in the Premier League are routinely paid in excess of £60m, signing a proven top-class defender for less than £25m would be the ultimate ‘Moneyball’ move.
The ball is now firmly in Napoli’s court. Italian club president Aurelio De Laurentiis is notorious as one of the toughest negotiators in world football, but Liverpool’s initial bid of 28 million euros is a very respectable starting point.
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