Liverpool in talks to pip Brighton to sign Feyenoord’s Mats Wieffer
Liverpool are working on a deal to sign Feyenoord defensive midfielder Mats Wieffer, but they might be late to the party, with Brighton & Hove Albion more advanced in talks to sign the player.
According to De Telegraaf, Liverpool boss Arne Slot is still pushing for the Netherlands international midfielder to join him at Anfield.
However, Wieffer has verbally agreed to join the Seagulls for more than €30 million, and the move is close to completion.
Wieffer has been one of the standout midfielders in the Eredivisie since joining from Excelsior in 2022.
Under Slot‘s guidance, he has grown into one of the most underrated midfielders in Europe, playing a crucial role in the league and cup wins over the past two seasons.
His performances caught the eye of European giants, and La Liga heavyweights Atletico Madrid came calling him in January.
He rejected their advances to stay in the Netherlands as he wanted to remain on Ronald Koeman’s radar for the 2024 European Championship.
Now, the chance has emerged for him to move to the Premier League, with Brighton and Liverpool keen on his signature.
Wieffer would resolve Liverpool’s main problem – defensive midfield. The Reds have only Wataru Endo in that position and need to reinforce that area ahead of next season.
Wieffer is a rangy and technically gifted midfielder who can break up opposition attacks at will and launch plays for his team with his excellent dribbling and distribution.
The 23-year-old brings complete dominance to the centre. He wins 3.13 aerial duels per 90, 2.88 tackles, 2.36 blocks, and 1.7 interceptions – all stellar stats compared to players in the top 14 leagues.
On the ball, Wieffer is excellent. He records 8.03 progressive passes per game and 1.56 progressive carries.
The Dutchman (231) recorded more than double the progressive passes Endo made (101). He (45) also registered over four times Endo’s (10) progressive carries.
Wieffer makes more tackles and aerial challenges and wins more of them, making him a top candidate to upgrade Liverpool’s midfield.
The Feyenoord midfielder looks like the perfect candidate to bolster Liverpool’s centre, but Brighton are far ahead in the race.