Premier League heavyweights Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing 27-year-old Spanish utility man Marcos Llorente from Atletico Madrid.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Marcos Llorente is the subject of interest from Liverpool over a possible move in the summer transfer window. The Reds are yet to establish contact with the Atletico Madrid utility man, although he is on their agenda for the upcoming window.
Marcos Llorente spent his formative years with three clubs before landing at Real Madrid in 2008. But the Spaniard’s stint with Los Blancos was underwhelming, as he did not get enough chances to showcase his potential. Llorente ended his Real Madrid spell by completing a surprising move to cross-town rivals Atletico Madrid in July 2019, and he has not looked back since.
The 27-year-old has been a utility man for Atletico Madrid, reprising roles in defence, midfield and attack over the last two and a half years. To date, the player has made 108 appearances for Los Rojiblancos, chipping in with 18 goals and 20 assists in the process. Llorente’s exploits have not gone unnoticed, with Liverpool among his prospective suitors heading into the summer transfer window.
Liverpool chose not to sign a replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum last summer following the Dutch midfielder’s departure as a free agent. Instead, Jurgen Klopp opted to promote Harvey Elliott, and the 18-year-old prodigy has been impressive in the opportunities afforded to him this term.
But key midfielders Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara are on the wrong side of 30. Several injuries have even blighted the latter since joining Liverpool from Bayern Munich nearly two years ago. And the fact that James Milner is in the twilight of his storied career will not be lost on Klopp, even though the Reds are primed to offer him a new contract soon.
Signing a central midfielder should thus keep Liverpool in good stead, with several players, including Nicolo Zaniolo, emerging on their radar. And Llorente is also a viable target, who is an even more attractive option than other candidates, considering his ability to play as a right-back and right-winger in a makeshift capacity.
According to the report, the Premier League heavyweights have yet to contact with either the 27-year-old Spanish utility man or Atletico Madrid over a possible summer move. But Jurgen Klopp admires Llorente for his traits, and it will not be surprising to see Liverpool launch the offensive for him in the coming months.