Why Everton must plot a summer swoop for Lazio ace Luis Alberto
According to Italian publication Corriere Della Sera (h/t The Liverpool Echo), Lazio midfielder Luis Alberto is a target for Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton.
Lazio are currently second in Serie A table and Luis Alberto has been one of the most prominent players in the 2019-20 campaign, racking up five goals and 14 assists in 30 appearances. Since arriving from Liverpool back in 2016, the 27-year-old has played 124 games for the Serie A side, bagging 24 goals and 40 assists in the process.
The report (h/t The Liverpool Echo) also claims that Liverpool would recoup close to a third of any transfer fee due to a 30% sell-on clause in his contract with Lazio, with Alberto’s current deal at the Stadio Olimpico set to expire in 2022.
Everton have seen a slight dip in form after failing to win any of their last three league games. They are currently 12th in the league table and would be hoping to do better in the rest of the campaign to finish at a respectable position.
The Toffees attack has been lively of late, with the likes of Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin doing a commendable job up front. They have managed to score 37 goals so far, which is not up to the standards of the Premier League.
Creative midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson has played 27 games across all competitions this season for the Merseysiders, scoring just two goals and supplying two assists in return. It’s fair to say his form has dropped off massively in the past year and as the Icelandic midfielder will turn 31 in September, Ancelotti should plan to replace him by signing Luis Alberto in the summer.
Alberto has been a star performer for Lazio over the last two campaigns. He netted 12 goals and supplied 18 assists in 47 appearances across all competitions in the 2017/18 campaign. His productivity dropped a bit last season as he managed just six goals and as many assists in 37 games.
This season, the Spaniard has performed exceptionally well and played a crucial role in helping Lazio to the summit. Interestingly, Alberto made nine Premier League appearances for Liverpool, with none of those coming from the start.
After loan spells with Malaga and Deportivo La Coruna, Liverpool sold him to Lazio. And at Lazio, the 27-year-old has matured as a player under the tutelage of Simone Inzaghi.
Read more
- Why Everton must offload winger Theo Walcott this summer
- Why Everton must make a move for Marseille right-back Bouna Sarr
- Why Everton signing Joe Gelhardt would be a good move for the future
The Lazio star can play in different positions across the midfield but excels the most in the No.10 role. The 27-year-old has solid Serie A experience under his belt. Alberto is a quality player who’ll add some much-needed depth to Everton’s midfield ranks. Going by his quality and experience at the highest level, signing the 27-year-old would boost the Toffees’ midfield unit considerably.
Verdict
Alberto is an established player in Serie A and could thrive at Everton under Ancelotti. Hence, the Merseysiders must attempt to sign him this summer.
