Liverpool transfer news as the Reds are linked to two midfielders ahead of next season. One is excelling at Atalanta, and the other is a $163m Real Madrid star.
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For the second time in three weeks, Liverpool faces Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The two clashed in the FA Cup quarter-final on March 17, with Liverpool narrowly losing in a thrilling 4-3 encounter in the last minute of extra time.
Federico Valverde in action for Real Madrid (Image: 2024 Diego Souto)
While Liverpool has won its subsequent games, beating Brighton and Sheffield United, Manchester United has failed to gather any momentum, drawing with Brentford and losing to Chelsea in a game that was similar to the Liverpool encounter. United were winning 3-2 before two late goals from Chelsea striker Cole Palmer sunk the Red Devils to their 12th defeat of the season.
Liverpool remained top of the table with eight games left and, what is Jürgen Klopp’s final weeks as boss, the pressure is now building. Every game is a must-win, and with Liverpool still in the Europa League and facing Atalanta next week, everything is still to play for.
As ever, the transfer rumor mill continues to rumble in the background, with the season nearing its conclusion. Liverpool is still searching for a Klopp replacement, but with Michael Edwards returning to the club and Richard Hughes having been announced as the club’s new sporting director, plans can begin to be put in place to identify new targets for next season.
Here is the Liverpool.com verdict on the transfer gossip to emerge around the Reds today, including midfielders from Real Madrid and Atalanta. Both are exciting talents.
Federico Valverde (Real Madrid)
The Uruguayan midfielder is being linked with a summer move to Anfield. Compared to Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, Valverde has been at Real Madrid since 2016 and is closing in on 250 games in the white shirt. Spanish source El Debate states that Liverpool could smash its transfer record to sign the 25-year-old, with a price of $163m (£129m/€150m) being stated.
Valverde is a versatile operator and can play in various roles in midfield. He’s made 42 appearances for Los Blancos this season in all competitions, scoring once.
“It’s spectacular when you are compared to such a player, to a star, a world idol, not just a Liverpool one. It’s amazing,” said Valverde of comparisons to Gerrard in 2022 (via The Mirror). “I see characteristics of him, obviously, I’m not going to say no, but one always looks out for oneself.”
Liverpool.com says: Valverde would be a great addition to the Liverpool midfield this summer, yet it remains to be seen if he wants to leave the Spanish capital. Moreover, it’s doubtful whether Liverpool would want to spend the speculated sum on a single player. Chalk this one down to pure rumor.
Ederson (Atalanta)
The Brazilian midfielder has excelled for La Dea signing arriving from Salernitana two seasons ago. The 24-year-old has formed a great midfield understanding with Dutchman Teun Koopmeiners (another to be linked with Liverpool), and his performances haven’t gone unnoticed by several of the bigger sides in Europe.
According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle, Atlético Madrid and the two Milan clubs are all interested in signing Ederson. Liverpool will get first-hand experience of the midfielder next week when the Reds welcome the Italian side to Anfield in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final. Ederson has made 28 league appearances for Atalanta this season, scoring five goals and providing one assist.
Liverpool.com says: Ederson will get a Liverpool audition in the coming weeks, with the Brazilian likely to start in the two games against Liverpool in Europe. Should he impress in both, then Liverpool may sit up and take notice of the Brazilian. Atalanta is always a selling club, and so should Liverpool come knocking with a respectable offer, Ederson could be in a red shirt next season.
