Real Madrid star responds to comparisons to Liverpool icon amid fresh claims over £80.4m Anfield transfer

Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde has opened up on claims his game is similar to a legendary Liverpool star following more claims he is being lined up for a move to Anfield in 2023.

The Uruguayan has is currently regarded as one of the best midfielders in Europe right now. However, he’s not always been a regular in the Real Madrid engine room given the strong competition for places. However, this season – and following the sale of Casemiro to Manchester United – Valverde is now established as a key player under Carlo Ancelotti.

His ability, though, has never been in question, with Liverpool big admirers of his qualities. As such, reports over the summer suggested the Reds saw a £80.4m (€90m) offer for the Uruguayan rejected by Real Madrid.

He remains a player of interest to Jurgen Klopp, however and reports continue to link the Reds with a swoop for Valverde. Indeed, sporting director Julian Ward is on the lookout for new midfielders in 2023 – and Valverde’s name is expected to figure near the top of their wishlist.

Indeed, Ward and Klopp have big issues to address there. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita are seemingly both on their way out. The pair both fall out of contract on July 1, with Keita reportedly making his intentions perfectly clear.

In addition, James Milner will be 37 in January and surely in his last season at Anfield. Meanwhile, Jordan Henderson and Thiago are both the wrong side of 30 and showing increasingly vulnerability to injury.

As such, the addition of at least two new midfielders will be Liverpool’s main objective in the next two transfer windows.

Jude Bellingham is their No 1 objective, but Valverde is also likely to figure high on their wanted list too.

Federico Valverde responds to Steven Gerrard comparisons

As such, a fresh approach for the 24-year-old cannot be ruled out.

Earlier this month, Liverpool old boy Luis Suarez claimed in an interview with Marca that his compatriot reminds him on Steven Gerrard. The iconic star is regarded by many as the greatest Liverpool player of all time.

Now Valverde has responded to those comparisons himself, admitting he does share a few similarities with Gerrard.

“It’s spectacular when you are compared to such a player, to a star. He’s a world idol, not just a Liverpool one. It’s amazing,” he told Infobae.

“I see characteristics of him, obviously, I’m not going to say no, but one always looks out for one self.

“I also want to leave my name and my mark in the world of football, not just Madrid but in the national team.”

Valverde goes on to say how he wants to emulate Gerrard’s spectacular ability of scoring many long-distance goals. Indeed, they were a trademark of Gerrard’s during his time at Liverpool.

And he says the comparisons with Gerrard will be a great source of motivation for him as he looks to take his game to the next level.

Valverde, however, would not offer any thoughts on claims he may soon move to Anfield himself.

Reds must spend big to land Real star

Liverpool’s prospects of signing Valverde look difficult to say the least. Los Blancos stars Luka Modric and Toni Kroos are in the final chapters of their careers and will ultimately need replacing.

And while they show no signs of slowing down, Valverde is certainly not a player they would currently entertain selling.

Indeed, alongside Aurelien Tchouameni and Edouard Camavinga, the three men are regarded as the future of Real’s midfield.

As a result, prising him from the Bernabeu will prove extremely tough.

However, the future of Bellingham may well have a telling role to play. The England midfielder is also wanted by Real Madrid. And were they to succeed in signing him, perhaps there would be an opening there for Liverpool with Valverde.

It’s easy to see why Klopp is such a fan. He consistently catches the eye with his skill and passing range. And if he can add more goals to his repertoire, those Gerrard comparisons are only going to continue.

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