Liverpool are reportedly pursuing Napoli full back Faouzi Ghoulam.
Napoli’s Faouzi Ghoulam in action against Dynamo Kyiv’s Serhiy Sydorchuk
According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool have asked about a deal for Napoli left back Faouzi Ghoulam after the Italian side made a bid for Alberto Moreno.
The Reds tonight tied up the signing of Roma winger Mohamed Salah in a club-record deal, but Jurgen Klopp may not be finished shopping in Italy just yet.
Liverpool’s Alberto Moreno in action with Tottenham’s Georges-Kevin Nkoudou
Left back has been a major concern for Klopp; Alberto Moreno has struggled to live up to expectations since his 2014 move to Sevilla, and with Klopp unconvinced, right-footed midfielder James Milner played at left back for Liverpool last season.
Now, the Daily Mail report that Napoli have had a £11.5million bid rejected for Moreno, and during discussions, Liverpool have asked about a deal for Napoli’s current left back Faouzi Ghoulam.
Napoli’s Faouzi Ghoulam in action against new Liverpool signing Mohamed Salah
Ghoulam, 26, joined Napoli from Saint-Etienne in 2014, and has now racked up almost 150 appearances for the Serie A club having become their clear first-choice left back since his arrival.
The Algerian international racked up nine assists last season, as he again impressed with his attacking play and deliveries into the box, which have unsurprisingly caught Liverpool’s attention.
Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp
Liverpool may now explore offering up cash plus Moreno in a deal for Ghoulam, and that looks to be a superb deal for Klopp. Not only would he be allowing a fringe player to leave to Anfield, but he would also add a quality, natural left back to his squad, making this a deal that Liverpool must push to complete.
The one drawback is that Liverpool would lose Egyptian and Senegal internationals Salah and Sadio Mane to Africa Cup of Nations duty in 2019, and adding Algerian ace Ghoulam would exacerbate that problem – but for now, Ghoulam is exactly what Liverpool need at left back, and he would be another smart addition this summer if Klopp can use Moreno in a part-exchange deal.
Would you like to see Liverpool sign Ghoulam?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
