Euro 2020 is finally here as Group A kicks off the tournament today. Here are three players Liverpool fans should pay attention to.
Nicolo Barella
Team: Italy / Internazionale
Age: 24
Position: Midfielder
Nicolo Barella promises to be one of the key players for Italy at Euro 2020. He’s fresh off a fantastic campaign with Inter that resulted in the Serie A title, with Barella hailed as one of the best midfielders in Europe.
There’s an easy link to Liverpool, too – the Reds supposedly want him. That’s according to Gazzetta Dello Sport, anyway.
Inter’s financial situation makes their players available and Barella would be a dream signing. There might not be a better possible replacement for Gini Wijnaldum.
And if Liverpool fans want a good look at the prospective signing, they should keep an eye on Italy today – and throughout Euro 2020.
Ozan Kabak
Team: Turkey / Schalke 04
Age: 21
Position: Defender
Raphinha, Coutinho and Tielemans: The signings Liverpool could make this summer
We all know Ozan Kabak, of course. He’ll play his part for Turkey in this competition after playing six months with Liverpool.
Now, it appears Kabak is done with the Reds. They’ve signed Ibrahima Konate and it’s now difficult to see a spot for the 21-year-old.
Still, there’s a suggestion that Liverpool aren’t done with him. Schalke will almost certainly sell this summer, after all, and Kabak remains a very exciting prospect.
He’s young, experienced, and know the club well now. It’s difficult to find players like that.
We wouldn’t be shocked if a decent tournament resulted in Liverpool trying to negotiate a smaller fee with Schalke. It does feel a little unlikely, certainly, but we won’t rule it out.
Hakan Calhanoglu
Team: Turkey / AC Milan
Age: 27
Position: Midfielder / Winger
CalcioMercato claims Liverpool have held talks with Hakan Calhanoglu. He’s leaving Milan on a free transfer this summer and that makes him a tempting target.
Calhanoglu is a creative force, as we detailed here. There’s little doubt that he’d be a decent signing and a solid addition to the squad.
He’s well worth watching as a key part of a pretty exciting Turkey team.
Harry Wilson
Team: Wales / Liverpool
Age: 23
Position: Midfielder / Winger
An obvious one but these will likely be Harry Wilson’s final games while still on the books at Liverpool. They’re important ones, though.
The Athletic claims Liverpool want to raise £60m in transfer funds this summer through player sales. Wilson is a key part of that.
The Reds want around £15m as it is but a solid tournament would drive that price right up. Liverpool definitely benefit financially if Wilson performs for Wales.
Neco Williams
Team: Wales / Liverpool
Age: 20
Position: Full-back
And rounding off our look at Euro 2020 Group A is Neco Williams.
We didn’t see as much of Williams as we’d have liked last season. Injuries made using him a risk – the team wasn’t exactly consistent anyway.
But we rate the full-back highly and think he’s got a very bright future. Here’s a chance for him to show it on the big stage as he’ll certainly get some games for Wales.
Solid showings could earn him more games with Liverpool next season. Maybe it draws loan interest in him. Either way, Williams can affect his future at Euro 2020.