Stanislav Lobotka, a midfielder for Napoli, is reportedly attracting interest from Liverpool in an unusual trade following his outstanding performances at Euro 2024.
Alongside another Liverpool target, David Hancko, the midfielder has been representing Slovakia at the competition in Germany and has impressed with his explosive displays in the engine room.
After surprising Belgium in their first game, Slovakia has a good chance of advancing to the round of 16, with Lobotka playing a standout role in a strong defensive performance.
The Napoli standout, who played in all 38 league games for his team last season, is one of Europe’s most underestimated talents. He helped the Italian team win their first Serie A title in 33 years during the 2022–2023 campaign.
But according to Fichajes, Liverpool is thinking about making a move for the 29-year-old after noticing Lobotka’s performances.
Lobotka is rumored to have cost the Reds approximately £34 million in the summer transfer window. His contract with Napoli is scheduled to expire in 2027, though they may choose to extend it by an additional year.
UNLIKELY, STANISLAV LOBOTKA MOVES LOOKS
Even if Lobotka is a good player, a transfer to Anfield seems quite unlikely.
Given that Lobotka, a Slovakian international, will be 30 in November of this year, a switch appears unlikely. In general, Liverpool has avoided adding players who are nearing the end of their careers, particularly in midfield.
There are, of course, exceptions. Wataru Endo and Thiago Alcantara were also signed recently at comparable ages to Lobotka, but their contracts came with far more affordable price tags than the rumored £34 million the Reds would need to spend on the Napoli midfield player.
It’s not a given that the Reds will sign a new midfield player this summer either. In addition to the aforementioned Endo, they brought in four players last summer and put a lot of faith in young Stefan Bajcetic, Harvey Elliott, and Curtis Jones.
This summer, Liverpool would almost definitely sign a number six central midfield player. They would probably choose someone younger than Lobotka, though.