Liverpool in talks to pip Brighton to sign Feyenoord’s Mats Wieffer | OneFootball

Liverpool are working on a deal to sign Feyenoord defensive midfielder Mats Wieffer, but face stiff competition from Brighton & Hove Albion.

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 including Atletico Madrid, who tried to sign 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.

Wieffer now has the chance to move to the Premier League, with Brighton and Liverpool keen on securing his services.

He 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 minutes, 2.88 tackles, 2.36 blocks and 1.7 interceptions – all stellar stats compared to players in the top 14 leagues.

Wieffer is excellent on the ball. He records 8.03 progressive passes per game and 1.56 progressive carries.

The Dutchman recorded more progressive passes than Wataru Endo made (231 vs 101). He also registered over four times Endo’s progressive carries (45 vs 10).

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.