Liverpool
Premier League • England
Liverpool stun Real Madrid with opening bid for superstar as Jurgen Klopp eyes statement signing
Liverpool have seen an opening bid rejected for highly-rated Real Madrid centre midfielder Federico Valverde, according to reports.
It’s no secret that Jurgen Klopp is looking to further bolster his midfield and bringing in the 24-year-old would be a major statement of intent.
But now, it seems Liverpool must improve on their initial offer if they want to sign Valverde. Indeed, Carlo Ancelotti is a big fan of the Uruguay international, so it would take a lot to bring him in.
However, with the likes of Jordan Henderson, Thiago and Fabinho all past their prime, Klopp could do with some more long-term options.
Also, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner will all depart the Reds this summer. So, Klopp could do with signing a few midfielders.
The manager has already signed Alexis Mac Allister this summer. Liverpool brought in the Argentine for a bargain fee of just £35m. Now, it seems he will slot straight into the Liverpool starting XI next term.
But, Klopp is still on the hunt for more midfielders and has turned his attention to Valverde.
Liverpool plot ambitious Valverde move
According to Spanish outlet El Nacional, Liverpool ‘have seen a bid rejected for Valverde.’ It isn’t clear how much the Reds put on the table – but they would reportedly be willing to make a maximum offer of €80m (£68.4m) plus €20m (£17.1m) in addons.
In 2022/23, Valverde made 56 appearances across all competitions. In the process, he scored 12 goals and made seven assists.
A versatile player, the Los Blancos maestro has the ability to play anywhere in midfield, or as a right winger. So, he could provide cover in multiple positions for Klopp next season.
Also, despite Ancelotti being a big fan of Valverde, he could see his playing time reduced in the future.
This is due to the arrival of Jude Bellingham. With Real Madrid paying £88.5m for the England international, it seems likely he’ll go straight into the starting XI, possibly at the expense of Valverde. Although it’s worth noting Luka Modric could leave the Bernabeu this summer.
Nevertheless, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has responded emphatically to Liverpool’s interest. As per El Nacional’s report, he will only accept a bid of €100m (£85.5m) straight cash for Valverde.
So, it will be interesting to see if Liverpool match that price tag. Meanwhile, they are currently edging towards an agreement for Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Manu Kone.
Clearly, Klopp wants at least one more midfield signing this summer. Now, it remains to be seen whether or not they can get a deal over the line for Valverde.
If they do, arguably, he would be an even more exciting addition than Mac Allister.
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