Liverpool are planning a move for a world-class £40M rated midfielder that would be a perfect signing for Jurgen Klopp.
The Reds are being linked to almost every central midfielder under the sun due to their midfield issues with injuries. But now they’re being linked with Atletico Madrid’s Marcos Llorente.
Fans will remember him from the Champions League knockout clash in the 2019/20 season, where the midfielder scored twice to knock out the Reds at Anfield.
He would be a clutch signing for Jurgen Klopp, as his versatility is unmatched and at 27, he would be a great signing.
🥉| Liverpool are looking at the potential “bombshell” arrival of Atletico Madrid midfielder Marcos Llorente, who could be allowed to leave the club before the deadline. [@fichajesnet] pic.twitter.com/48VMCcst0R
— Anfield Edition (@AnfieldEdition) August 25, 2022
Latest reports on Llorente to Liverpool
Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone could give the “green light” for “bombshell” midfielder, Fernando Llorente (27) to “leave for Anfield before September 1”.
According to La Liga publication Fichajes, Liverpool are looking at the potential arrival of the Spanish international, who could be allowed to leave the club before the deadline on September 1st at 11PM.
The move seems unlikely as he only extended his contract last year, and it runs until 2027.
He’s been a key player at Atletico but the report claims he could move on due to manager Diego Simeone playing him in a multitude of positions.
Currently valued at £40.5M, the midfielder is still only 27 and is perhaps the most versatile top-class player in Europe.
That adds value to the player, plus having his contract extended means he wouldn’t be a bargain signing – especially compared to someone like Youri Tielemans that Liverpool are linked with.
Youri Tielemans would be an incredibly Jurgen Klopp signing and as this image from Sky Sports shows, he is incredibly versatile.
Llorente is capable of playing right back, right wing-back, central midfield, right-wing or as an attacking midfielder and is extremely capable in all of those roles.
It remains to be seen what his best position is exactly, however, which is maybe why clubs haven’t opted to move for him.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z04E-Whvv3I[/embedyt]
His qualities
As mentioned, he is extremely versatile and his value comes from being really good at multiple roles, something which James Milner has done during his time at Liverpool, but you can argue Llorente is doing it in his prime and in La Liga and Champions League on a regular basis.
Statistically, he matches up against midfielders and full-backs but his form in the last year hasn’t been as good as it has been.
With full-backs, he registers high for touches in the opposition’s box and progressive passes received which suggests he is an adventurous full-back when told to play there.
In midfield, the same stats flag up but with the addition of progressive carries, a central role lends itself to this more than at full-back.
Last season he only managed three assists in 40 games and no goals in what was a poorer season for him.
He peaked in 2020/21, where he excelled as a second striker, as well as the other positions, to notch 13 goals and 12 assists in all competitions.
Producing that from four positions is a world-class season and that player is still in there if Liverpool do decide to move for him.
