Liverpool set to miss out on South American star as €35m La Liga switch edges closer

Transfer News: Liverpool target Rodrigo De Paul close to Atletico Madrid move

According to Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari (h/t Daily Star), Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, who had been linked with a move to Liverpool, is set to sign for Atletico Madrid.

The 27-year-old Udinese midfielder had been linked with a switch to Liverpool this summer, as a potential replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum, who has departed the club after his contract expired, signing for Paris Saint-Germain. (h/t Liverpool Echo

Having come through the ranks at Argentine side Racing Club, he moved to Europe in 2014, signing for Valencia. The midfielder stayed with Los Che for two years before signing for Udinese in the summer of 2016, where he as developed into a fine midfielder.

De Paul enjoyed a fine 2020/21 season, finishing with a return of nine goals and eleven assists from 38 games in all competitions. Adept at operating as a box-to-box midfielder or playing in a more advanced role, the 27-year-old has become a key part of the Argentine national team as well, with 24 caps to his name.

With Wijnaldum’s time at Anfield coming to an end after a successful five-year stint, Liverpool could have benefited from signing someone like De Paul. However, it seems like the Udinese captain is set for a return to Spain.

Indeed, Longari is reporting that De Paul has already agreed a five-year deal with the La Liga champions, with a €35m now on the verge of completion.

More Liverpool News:

• Liverpool come up with late proposal to beat Manchester United to Jadon Sancho
• Transfer News: Liverpool midfielder Marko Grujic confident of Porto switch
• Liverpool end Jonathan Ikone talks due to player’s demands

Wijnaldum’s departure has left a huge hole in the Liverpool midfield. With the likes of Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain not entirely proving to reliable operators, it is imperative that Jurgen Klopp & co. bring in a new midfielder this summer.