Report: 28-year-old Liverpool missed out on is now back on the market, could be perfect in the 4-4-2

Add as preferred source on Google

Rodrigo De Paul is set to leave Atletico Madrid this winter, according to reports. Liverpool once wanted the player and he could be ideal.

This comes from Calciomercato. They claim that Atletico Madrid want to sell Rodrigo De Paul and the player is available in January.

It comes 18 months after they signed the then-Udinese captain. De Paul’s relationship with Diego Simeone has completely broken down, however, making his exit inevitable.

Juventus hope to push their way to the front of any queue for De Paul. We wonder, however, whether Liverpool will consider looking.

Rodrigo De Paul to leave Atletico Madrid

There was a lot of talk in Italy before his move to Atletico that Liverpool wanted De Paul. Messaggero Veneto were merely one outlet reporting it – the Argentine was supposedly on the Reds’ list.

Of course, a deal never happened and De Paul went to Spain. Now he’s available again, though, and Liverpool may fancy a bid.

We thought De Paul looked like an intelligent signing back in 2021. He’s versatile, capable of winning tackles and creating going forward. That gives him a prominent place in the Reds’ 4-3-3.

However, Jurgen Klopp switched things up to 4-4-2 this month. Liverpool don’t use that third midfielder – the more attacking of the three that looks to burst forward between the lines.

Instead, they have wide midfielders and we think De Paul might fit well there. After all, the wide midfielders are able to get forward with freedom, drifting inside and out to find space.

That’s the kind of game that suits De Paul. In his last season with Udinese, he averaged over two key passes and three dribbles per game. That’s the kind of attacking output Liverpool would love out wide – the fact he can win tackles, too, is a fantastic bonus.

We don’t yet know what Atletico want to sell the player but if they’re actively seeking a sale, it won’t be anything too expensive. De Paul could be a smart addition to the squad for the second half of the season – a versatile option that helps make the 4-4-2 work.