The role of Leandro Paredes at Roma is still uncertain. After the challenge against Porto on Wednesday, coach Luciano Spalletti declared that; “Paredes is an important player to us. The problem is that he wants to play on a regular basis and this is not always possible”. These are words that seem to point to an imminent departure but today, the Tuscan tactician stated that; “We have Strootman and he is stronger than Pjanic, we also have Paredes and he is stronger than Pjanic. We are secure in the midfield”.
 

So in short, Paredes is an important player for the giallorossi but not untouchable. For a fee of around €20 million the 22-year-old Argentine can leave and there are teams out there prepared to pounce. Milan is seeking another midfielder and the rossoneri are believed to have made contact with the capital club after failing to land Diawara and Kovacic. Milan wants the player on an initial loan deal whereas the giallorossi are keen for a permanent transfer. Overseas, Paredes is wanted by Zenit St Petersburg, Leicester City and Liverpool, teams that have been following his progress over the past 12 months.  

With so many players vying for midfield positions, Paredes will not be granted his wish to play on a regular basis. Indeed, if reports suggesting the imminent arrival of Borja Valero are correct, he will almost certainly be surplus to requirements, despite his manager’s kind words.



By A.C. Adapted and translated by Steve Mitchell