If there’s one thing a defender can do to impress Jürgen Klopp, it’s dealing with Liverpool’s fearsome attackers.
That’s exactly what Cristian Romero did back in November, when Atalanta travelled to Anfield in the Champions League.
Romero – lining up in the middle of a back three – helped keep Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah quiet as Atalanta recorded an impressive 2-0 win.
Now, a report from Sky Italia claims that Liverpool have enquired about the 23-year-old, who is making a name for himself over in Italy.
However, he won’t come cheap.
Tuttosport believe that Atalanta want a huge £52 million for the 1-cap Argentina international, who made 42 appearances this season.
Now, £52 million is a lot for a relatively inexperienced centre-back.
However, that sum only looks likely to increase if Romero keeps doing what he’s doing.
Liverpool want Serie A Defender of the Year
Yes, that’s right. Romero was named as Serie A Defender of the Year for his efforts this season, so it’s no wonder Atalanta want £52 million.
The South American was handed the award after making 31 appearances in Italy’s top-flight, in which he scored two goals and provided three assists.
Romero’s work under Gian Piero Gasperini helped Atalanta finish third in Serie A with 78 points, securing a place in next season’s Champions League.
It remains to be seen if this deal happens – in our view, it won’t.
Klopp has just spent £35 million on Ibrahima Konaté, and will soon be welcoming back Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joël Matip.
That isn’t to mention Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams, while Fabinho can also play at centre-back too if need be.
If Liverpool had Manchester City’s riches, we’d say a deal for Romero could be on.
However, after bringing one centre-back to Anfield for a significant fee, it feels unlikely that Liverpool will make it two.
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