Liverpool can forget signing 'next Gerrard' Valverde from Real Madrid
FT Desk
- 1 Oct 2022 14:43 BST
- 3 min read
Liverpool have been linked with a €150 million bid for Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde next summer, but the Uruguayan is the last player the European champions would be willing to part ways with.
Liverpool's need to a midfielder has become pronounced. Thiago Alcantara, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are injured, and the Reds have got off to their worst ever Premier League start under Jurgen Klopp this season.
The loan move for Juventus's Arthur Melo was seen as evidence that they had a more permanent move for Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham lined up, but competition for the England midfielder's signature is likely to be fierce, and Valverde could be an alternative.
🖼️ This is a work of art.
🅰️ @vinijr
⚽ @fedeevalverde #UCL pic.twitter.com/YaQi88koGW— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) September 23, 2022
But unfortunately for Liverpool, Real have no intention of selling Valverde, and Valverde has no intention of leaving.
The Uruguayan has blossomed into one of los Blancos' most important players since first arriving at the Bernabeu from Penarol for what now looks like a paltry €5 million in the summer of 2016.
Valverde versatility
Happy to play as one of the three in Carlo Ancelotti's midfield, but just as adept attacking from higher up the flanks, Valverde has added attacking output to his hard running this season, contributing four goals and two assists in all competitions for the Spanish and European champions this term.
He also proved his big-game credentials as Real won their derby with Atletico Madrid 2-1 in the final game before the recent international break, steering home what proved to be the winner just past the half-hour.
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"I agree, yes," Ancelotti said recently when asked if Valverde was becoming able to affect a game like Liverpool great Steven Gerrard. "He has a lot of characteristics in common with Gerrard. I think he can reach Gerrard's level and beyond."
Valverde has a contract until 2027, has spoken about how happy he is in Madrid, and has now become one of their most important players. If Liverpool want another Gerrard in midfielder, they're going to have to look harder.
