The Telegraph is reporting today that Real Madrid midfielder Asier Illarramendi is set to join Liverpool this week.
The report states: Asier Illarramendi is set to move to Liverpool after the Anfield club came up with an improved offer of £14.2m.
The Express reports that the bid is line with what Real are hoping to receive for the defensive midfielder, and a deal should be completed this week.
Illarramendi arrived at the Bernebeu two years ago, but has failed to establish himself as a regular starter and completed the 90 minutes in La Liga just seven times last season.
Should the Spaniard sign for Liverpool, he will be the club’s ninth signing of the summer, as Brendan Rodgers desperately tries to re-establish his team after a disappointing 2014-15 campaign.
Central midfield remains one position that Liverpool still need to strengthen during this transfer window. Currently Henderson, Milner, Lucas, Can and Allen, who is already injured, are our central midfield options. Judging from what we have seen so far this pre-season, Brendan Rodgers has opted for playing with three central midfielders, one holding and then two just infront.
Based on the personnel Liverpool have it seems like Can may play as the holding midfielder with Henderson and Milner ahead of him. But if one of those three gets injured or is out of form, Liverpool are going to need more quality depth and a player like Illarramendi could fit the bill.
Illarramendi is a highly talented player, often compared to Xabi Alonso, but he has not been given his opportunity to shine at Madrid. A new club could be just what he needs and he can be assured he will get a decent amount of game-time at Liverpool.
The question though remains: does Illarramendi want to join Liverpool? If the player himself believes he can fight for his place at Real Madrid then it will be difficult to prize him away. Hopefully Rafa Benitez can do us a favour and encourage Illarramendi to try his luck at Anfield.
Rafa should send him on a season long loan to liverpool with an option to buy.
Just the kind Of signing we need. I wonder though if FSG are willing to spend more money than they already have. BR has no excuses this season as he has been fully backed by the owners.
Surely lfc require such players with potential
I think if lfc get him we are in somewhere at the table next year let us make sure he comes even if it’s a loan so that he pressures can milner and Henderson then we have better team this year