Report: Pellegrini close to Roma contract extension

Lorenzo Pellegrini is on the verge of signing a contract extension at Roma according to reports.

The Italian star had entered the final year of his deal at the Stadio Olimpico. He also had a €30m (£25.6m) release clause in the contract.

This led many to link him to a move away this summer.

However, it now looks like he will be staying in Rome.

Nicolo Schira has reported that his contract extension is “almost done”.

He is set to sign a new deal until 2026, with his release clause removed.

So, it appears that another option to replace Gini Wijnaldum has been ruled out for Liverpool.

News of Pellegrini’s contract extension will be disappointing for Liverpool fans.

The Italian would have been perfect for the Reds.

While he is a natural No 10, he also has incredible work rate and tenacity.

He could easily have adapted to play as a deeper No 8 in a 4-3-3 in Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Pellegrini would have offered the same tactical intelligence and work rate as Wijnaldum but with added goals and creativity.

He scored 10 goals and got nine assists in all competitions in 2020/21.

The 25-year-old is also a great leader, having been named Roma’s new captain earlier this year.

He missed out on a Euro 2020 medal through injury, despite being named in the original squad.

There is no doubting how well he would have suited Liverpool, but unfortunately, it is not going to happen.

Instead, he will be a key part of Jose Mourinho’s side as they hope to rebuild in the coming years.