The agent of Zulte Waregam wonderkid Pape Diop admits that Premier League giants Liverpool have made ‘contact’ regarding a potential move to the Premier League for the Senegal international.
19-year-old Pape Diop finished as the top scorer at the U20 African Cup of Nations earlier this year, his Senegal side defeating Gambia 2-0 in the final.
That particular statistic feels even more impressive when you consider that Diop – who’s five goals were more than anyone else in the tournament – is not a centre-forward or even a winger, but a ‘box-to-box midfielder’.
At least, that is the description given to him by Gerald Sago, the Liverpool target’s agent.
“For many he was the best player in the (U20 AFCON) competition,” Sago tells Tuttomercatoweb. “He is an explosive, dynamic and influential footballer. He has a very strong character which leads him to always give the best.
“(Diop is) a box-to-box midfielder with excellent vision, as evidenced by the goals he scores. He can also play as an attacking midfielder or as a midfielder in a three-man midfield.
“He’s improved a lot in defence and in transitions thanks to his running ability. Physically he is a very fast player, with great stamina.”
Liverpool face Napoli battle for Pape Diop
Clearly, there is a lot to like.
Diop has only played two Belgian Jupiler League games so far for Zulte Waregam but his lack of experience as club level is not putting Liverpool off. Nor Serie A champions Napoli, for that matter.
“Towards the end of last season, while he was busy with the national team, we were contacted by Liverpool,” Sago adds. “And we had preliminary meetings in Paris.
“Three French teams have expressed interest. And some Italian teams, including Napoli. Together, we will have some meetings in Germany over the next few weeks. Let’s see what happens.
“Of course, Serie A is a championship with great charm and with great players. Pape would certainly be happy to compete against great champions.
“Pape is an ambitious guy who always wants to improve and reach an ever higher level. But, to do this, he certainly needs to play and find a club that believes in him.”
It is unlikely that Diop would be seen as an immediate first-team player at Liverpool. But with Jordan Henderson and Fabinho potentially on their way to Saudi Arabia – following James Milner, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Arthur Melo out the door – Jurgen Klopp’s side are certainly in need of some extra depth in the central areas.
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