Brighton table first offer to sign Liverpool-linked Feyenoord midfielder Mats Wieffer

According to Dutch outlet 1908.nl, Brighton and Hove Albion have approached Feyenoord about Liverpool-linked midfielder Mats Wieffer.

Mats Wieffer, 24, joined Feyenoord from Excelsior for a modest fee of €575,000 in the summer of 2022. Since then, he has made 79 appearances, scoring nine goals and providing 11 assists. Over two years at Feyenoord, the defensive midfielder has played a key role in helping the club win the Eredivisie title and the KNVB Cup under manager Arne Slot, who has now succeeded Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.

Arne Slot has shown interest in reuniting with Mats Wieffer at Anfield, clearly aware of his compatriot’s ability and potential. However, according to 1908.nl, Brighton has made the first move to sign the Dutch midfielder, who is valued at around £30 million.

The Seagulls have been tracking 24-year-old Mats Wieffer for more than 18 months at Feyenoord and have now decided to put a concrete offer on the table. As things stand, Wieffer is keen on the move and is waiting to see how the negotiations between the two clubs unfold.

This development is a significant blow for Liverpool, as Arne Slot has been eager to bring Wieffer to the red half of Merseyside. The 24-year-old was a vital component in Slot’s system at Feyenoord, with the team’s success over the past two years largely dependent on his ability to progress the ball, dictate the tempo of the game, break up play, and create chances from the middle of the park.

Primarily a defensive-minded midfielder, Wieffer is by no means a one-dimensional player. He has also been utilized in a more advanced, box-to-box role at Feyenoord. As a no.6, his primary responsibilities include protecting the backline and controlling the flow of the game. However, he has also shown his ability to make a difference in the final third, as evidenced by his goal contributions this past season.

It goes without saying that the Merseyside giants must sign a top-class No.6 this year. While Wataru Endo, acquired from Stuttgart last summer, performed well, an upgrade on the ageing Japanese player would be very much welcome. Mats Wieffer fits the profile perfectly for Liverpool, and his signing would allow Alexis Mac Allister to play in his natural No.8 role.

Wieffer’s ability to progress the ball, dictate the tempo, break up play, and contribute offensively makes him an ideal candidate for Liverpool’s midfield. His defensive solidity and versatility would provide the team with the balance needed to compete at the highest levels. Bringing him in would strengthen the Reds’ midfield significantly and provide a foundation for future success under Arne Slot’s management.

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To secure Wieffer, Liverpool must act quickly and decisively, especially given Brighton’s proactive interest. His addition would not only enhance the squad’s depth and quality but also align perfectly with the club’s long-term strategic goals. Between him, Stefan Bajcetic and Endo, the Reds will do just fine.