Napoli star Piotr Zielinski is one of a number of midfielders on a Liverpool list to solve their lack of goals from the middle of the park – a player that legend footballer Zbigniew Boniek said could become better than Kevin De Bruyne.
Zielinski, 28, has just entered the final 18 months of his contract with Serie A leaders Napoli. But Napoli look good to win the Serie A title this year, and it is unlikely that 89-time Poland international Zielinski will want to leave the club.
Rudy Galetti says that Zielinski is one of six midfielders Liverpool are considering. Mikel Merino, Jude Bellingham, Youri Tielemans, Moises Caicedo and Sofyan Amrabat are other options. Zielinski is rated at an enormous £70million.
Napoli do not want to lose him – but Jurgen Klopp has tried to sign him before. In 2021, Polish legend Boniek – who finished third in the Ballon d’Or in 1982 – said that if he added goals to his game, he could be better than De Bruyne.
“Zielinski is a player with pure technique. He can shake off a marker with a single touch. He’s unpredictable – and becoming a father will help him to become even more mature,” Boniek said to Radio Kiss Kiss, via Football Italia.
“If he scored more goals, Zielinski could become even better than De Bruyne. Piotr is capable of scoring in any way and also provides many assists,” Boniek added when discussing the Napoli star, who can play in a number of positions.
Zielinski on Liverpool list: Boniek said he could be better than De Bruyne
Zielinski would be a superb signing, in terms of quality. But there are two issues. The first is that he is now 28 and by the summer, he will be 29 years of age. It does not improve the fact that the Liverpool midfield is beginning to age.
Secondly, is that he would cost a huge amount for a player of his age. That could change given his contract. But Napoli will be keen to keep him – given, he is adding the goals Boniek discusses. He has 13 goals and assists this season.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
