One of Liverpool’s reported summer targets, Empoli’s on-loan Udinese midfielder Piotr Zielinski, has hinted at a summer move to Anfield.
Zielinski is believed to be one of Jurgen Klopp‘s primary targets ahead of the summer transfer window, with Liverpool looking to sign the Poland international from Udinese.
The 21-year-old has impressed over two seasons on loan with Empoli, and could be earmarked as a replacement for Joe Allen, who has been linked with a move away from Merseyside at the end of the season.
A dynamic, attacking box-to-box midfielder, Zielinski would join Marko Grujic in Klopp’s new-look midfield next season, and speaking to Polish outlet Futbolfejs, hinted at a possible move.
“Some people say these are just the rumours. I know a little bit more about it,” he explained.
“But until now I just try to play as best as I can in Empoli to have a possible chance in June for such a big transfer move.”
Klopp was central to Grujic choosing to join Liverpool in January, and Zielinski revealed how he had been researching the former Borussia Dortmund manager.
“I have spoken with [former Dortmund midfielder Jakub Blaszczykowski] who plays in Fiorentina now about Klopp.
“He told me about his personality, how is Klopp to the players, gave me some tips, but nothing is known yet.
“I constantly have to play well in Empoli to get the interest from the bigger clubs.”
Zielinski’s insistence that he is still playing for a move suggests that no deal is over the line just yet, and with the midfielder set to join up with the Poland squad for this summer’s European Championship in France, he could be given a further platform to impress.
“My plans for the summer? I’d wish to play well in the Euros,” he continued.
“What will be after Euros? Everything will be determined by my play in Empoli and national team.”
So far this season, Zielinski has scored three goals and five assists in 28 Serie A games, with his key attributes coming in linking up play in midfield and driving attacks forward.
While he is a midfielder of great potential, Klopp will no doubt be looking for him to make an immediate contribution, with Grujic also set to take up a first-team role next season.
This could see Zielinski link up with Philippe Coutinho—a player he admitted he would love to play alongside.
“Everyone knows Coutinho who is very technically gifted. He can shoot with either foot, no matter if it’s left of right.
“I think I have something in common with him. Coutinho is fast, he creates the game on the pitch.
“Definitely he is one of the best Liverpool players this season. I really like his style of play, I watch him closely.
“It would be great to play alongside Coutinho. I am sure we could be a good duo on the pitch. We’ll see what will happen.”
Clearly paying close attention to Liverpool this season, it is likely that the club have firmed up their interest in signing Zielinski ahead of 2016/17, as Klopp’s summer overhaul continues.
Fan Comments