Despite failing to make much of a mark in England in his first go-round with Cardiff City, rumour has it that Liverpool are looking to bring in midfielder Gary Medel back to the Premier League. The player, for his part, is reportedly keen on joining up, at least according to a smattering of reports in Spain and Italy that have since made their way to the English tabloids.
Medel was a standout when he first arrived in Europe, spending two-and-a-half years as destroyer at the base of Sevilla’s midfield, but he struggled to make a mark with Cardiff City in 2013-14 after making an £11M switch and similarly hasn’t impressed for Inter Milan since joining them for a £10M fee. Still, his Sevilla days aren’t that far in his past, and all along he has looked a quality player for Chile.
It adds up for a player who could well be a bargain. Certainly he’d cost less than Inter paid for him last summer, and if he could rediscover his Sevilla form—or the form he shows in international play—the 27-year-old would make for a quality signing. He wouldn’t be a lock to do that, though, and seems a lateral move at best for the club when they already have Lucas Levia on the books.
Leiva may have his own question marks, largely surrounding his fitness, but there are no questions over his ability to deliver in the Premier League when healthy. One only has to look at how much better Liverpool’s results were with him in the lineup last season to see that. Still, as a bargain who could potentially be had in the £6-8M range, it would be hard not to at least consider a move for Medel.
Previously this summer, Liverpool have been seriously linked mainly to deep plying playmakers and not midfield destroyers, with deals for Asier Illarramendi and Mateo Kovacic at times being reported as near done only to then fade away.