Liverpool has shown keen interest in Atlético Madrid midfielder Pablo Barrios
Liverpool’s midfield currently boasts a variety of options for Arne Slot. Endo, Granvenberch, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Jones and Elliott provide a good level of depth in the middle.
Among them, though, only Endo is the more defensive-minded midfielder. With the winter transfer window just two months away, rumours suggest that Slot is looking for another midfielder who can take on a more defensive role in the middle.
According to Fichajes, Liverpool have shown interest in Atlético Madrid’s Spanish U23 international Pablo Barrios. Although primarily a central midfielder, the Spaniard’s ability to take on a more defensive role has piqued The Reds’ interest.
Only Endo and Gravenberch can take a more balanced approach to the midfield, while others like Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Jones, and Elliott are the most attacking-minded midfielders in the squad.
If the rumours are true then Arne Slot is thinking of having another balanced midfielder in the mix. Barrios’ age and ability will prove to be a good long-term investment for The Reds.
Many top clubs across Europe are following the 21-year-old’s progress. Liverpool will have to fight off heavy competition if they would want to get their hands on the midfielder.
However, The Red Whites aren’t keen on letting their talented midfielder leave. The Reds will also have to fight off Atlético’s unwillingness to secure more depth in midfield.
Liverpool will have to pay a hefty sum for Pablo Barrios
With the Mattress Makers stubborn in their decision, the negotiations have been set an astronomical figure. Any talks regarding Barrios will only start at around £41.6 million (€50 million).
However, reports are uncertain whether Liverpool is ready to break the bank for the Spanish U23 international. The Reds are more inclined towards making an initial offer and will want to move up from there.
The English giants would want to avoid breaking the bank citing their other pursuits this winter. Barrios had signed a contract with Atlético Madrid in 2022 which would have kept him at the club till 2025.
But to The Reds’ dismay, there was a signing of another contract extension in 2023. Unfortunately, Pablo’s contract with the Spanish giants now runs till 2028.
With another three and half years to go on his contract in January, Liverpool will have a hard time negotiating for the midfielder’s departure.
An offer from The Reds will reveal their valuation of the player. We’ll also get to know what range Slot is looking at for Barrios’ services. Till then we can only speculate with other clubs also in the mix.
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