Liverpool FC have been linked with a potential late bit for Real Madrid’s Asier Illarramendi.
The Reds are reported to be looking at getting the 24 year old to Anfield before the window closes, according to Spanish newspaper El Confidencial. The paper also claims that Liverpool are going consult former Reds and Madrid player Xabi Alonso before lodging a bid for the player that could be in the region of A?18m. It is unclear whether it would be before the winter window shuts or in the summer, but the likelihood of it happening at the end of the season is more because Brendan Rodgers’ has made it pretty clear no big signings will be happening in this window, and Real boss Carlo Ancelotti has also stated that the midfielder will stay with Los Blancos, as he also confirmed interest from Athletic Bilbao
The Real Madrid boss said, “I have not asked the club for anything. It is true that he had an offer from Athletic, but he’s happy here. He took a look at his situation and decided to stay and we are happy that he is doing so. We like his professionalism and in the few minutes that he has had, he has always done a good job.”
Ancelotti’s comments show that while Real Madrid are pleased with the fact that the former Sociedad man decided to stay put, they’re not especially keen in ensuring his future lies at Madrid. That’s not a surprise since they have Luca Modric, Toni Kroos, Isco and latest arrival Lucas Silva who can all play in the deep-lying, holding role.
The highly rated player started his career at Real Sociedad before moving to Real Madrid in the summer of 2013. He signed a six-year contract with Los Blancos for a fee of a 32.2 million, the highest amount paid by the club for a Spanish player. His game has been compared to Xabi Alonsoa s due to both the players having a similar passing style and ability to cut open passes and thread balls to the attackers, linking up play with impressive finesse.
If Liverpool do follow in on their apparent interest, they could very well land up with the Spanish midfielder as it would be incredibly difficult for him to cement a regular starting place in the team, given the impressive competition he has. Illarramendi would be a good addition to the team as Liverpool desperately need a quality defensive midfielder. Lucas has been in good form recently but Brendan Rodgers’ would want to upgrade that position before the start of next season where he wants his side to compete for trophies. The departure of Steven Gerrard makes the need to have a quality midfield even more crucial and Illarramendi addition could very well fill that void as well.
Top Image Courtesy: blogs.libertaddigital.com