Liverpool told why they must consider signing ‘brilliant’ Real Madrid ace, but move faces two big barriers

A Liverpool insider has stated the club ‘would not be doing their job properly’ if they snubbed the chance to sign a world-class Real Madrid star, although the deal would be incredibly difficult to pull off.

Liverpool have begun the process of replacing the likes of James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita by signing Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton. He could form part of a new-look midfield at Anfield next season as Liverpool have also captured Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig.

Jurgen Klopp’s side are hopeful of adding another, more defensive-minded midfielder to their squad as well. They are facing competition from Arsenal and Chelsea for Southampton’s Romeo Lavia, although Manchester City may have just inadvertently helped Liverpool sign the 19-year-old.

Liverpool have also been linked with a sensational move for Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde. On June 29, reports emerging from Spain claimed Liverpool to be drawing up a huge €90million (£76.6m) offer for the Uruguayan.

The Reds were then given hope that Madrid may consider selling Valverde as a Spanish reporter claimed he could be offloaded to help fund a big-money swoop for Kylian Mbappe. But 90Min soon shut down any claims that Valverde would be swapping the Spanish capital for Merseyside.

Liverpool specialist Neil Jones has now given his verdict on the Valverde to Liverpool rumours. He states that the club must ‘appreciate’ Valverde, otherwise scouts are not doing their job correctly. Although, Jones cast serious doubt over whether Liverpool would be able to afford the 24-year-old.

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“If they don’t appreciate him then Liverpool aren’t doing their job properly, are they? I don’t think there’s any chance Liverpool are going to sign Federico Valverde, unless something massive was to happen in terms of five or six players leaving the club for £200m,” the journalist said in an interview with Empire of the Kop.

“He’s a brilliant player, been huge for Real Madrid. I think he was probably their best player in the Champions League final against Liverpool, he was one of their key players in that run to the final.

Reporter would be ‘amazed’ if star swapped Real Madrid for Liverpool

“I’d be amazed if Real Madrid were prepared to let him go at this stage, like Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga, like the younger lads who play in the forward areas in Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo.

“I think Real Madrid are building a future that involves Valverde. It would be a nice one to dream about from a Liverpool perspective and if you offered Liverpool the chance and said ‘Federico Valverde’s out of work and he fancies playing for you’, I think the club would jump at it. Unfortunately, I don’t think that’s going to happen.”

It seems there are two main factors which are preventing Liverpool from signing Valverde. The first is his cost. Madrid rarely let players go when they are in their prime, or heading towards it. Valverde is certainly in this bracket and Madrid will therefore demand at least £100m for him.

Liverpool simply do not have that kind of money to spend on one player.

Another reason Liverpool will struggle to land Valverde is that the star is very happy where he is. In June, he said he has no intention of leaving Madrid as he wants to ‘keep winning titles for Real Madrid fans’.

Meanwhile, a second source has confirmed Al Ettifaq are aiming to reunite manager Steven Gerrard with a senior Liverpool player.