Liverpool have been dealt a major blow as top midfield target Piotr Zielinski prepares to sign a new Napoli contract, according to Corriere del Mezzogiorno.
The Naples-based newspaper claimed in its print edition (20 May), as cited by Calcio Mercato, that the Poland international, 24, is on the verge of committing to Maurizio Sarri’s side until 2023 after some impressive performances this season.
Corriere del Mezzogiorno report that an agreement has been reached between Naples and Piotr Zielinski and he will put pen to paper on Wednesday in a blow to suitors Liverpool and Tottenham.
OPINION
Jurgen Klopp has already wrapped up a deal to sign Naby Keita from RB Leipzig this summer, but he is more of an attack minded midfielder. With Emre Can set to join Juventus immediately after the Champions League final, Liverpool are in need of a dynamic central midfielder who can dictate the tempo of a game from a deeper position. It has been reported that the Merseyside giants have been on the trail of Zielinski as they look to the strengthen the depth of their squad, but it appears that trail will now lead nowhere. Zielinski is a class act with great technique, pace and an eye for goal. He scored seven goals in 47 appearances for Napoli in the recently-completed Italian season, including twice in five Champions League matches. Entering his peak years, he is now set to disappoint Liverpool and Spurs by committing to a five-year Napoli contract worth around £40,000-a-week after tax. It is a major blow for the Premier League giants, who must now look elsewhere.
