09 July 2023 , 10:57
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Jurgen Klopp has been told he already has better midfielders at Liverpool than one of his next big targets from Real Madrid.
After an underwhelming campaign, the German manager has made two big statements of intent this summer as he looks to bounce back from missing out on the Champions League. Alex Mac Allister has signed from Brighton in a deal worth £35 million, before the Reds triggered the £60 million release clause for Dominik Szoboszlai.
But neither Klopp nor FSG are planning to finish their summer spending there. Amid a clearout that has seen the likes of Roberto Firmino and James Milner leave the club, more transfer targets have been outlined.
Speculation has been rife of a move for Chelsea youngster Levi Colwill, but Liverpool have also been linked with a move for Real Madrid's Federico Valverde. The Uruguayan has been at the Bernabeu since 2017, making 272 appearances for the club and was a pivotal figure in their 2021/22 Champions League success.
However, one former Anfield favourite isn't sure that a move for the 24-year-old is necessary. Steve Nicol, who spent 13 years on Merseyside from 1981-1994, doesn't think he'll get into the team with Mac Allister or Szoboszla now on board.
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“Listen, Valverde’s not getting let go from Real Madrid because he’s that great," Nicol told ESPN FC. "If Real Madrid are prepared to let him go it tells you that they don’t think he’s the future
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“Liverpool have just signed Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, they already have Fabinho, Henderson’s still around for another year. Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, and two young guys, particularly Elliott who will play. Does he start before Szoboszlai? No. Does he start before Mac Allister? No."
Indeed, the former MLS manager argues that it's a notion Valverde will be all too aware of: "So if you’re Valverde you’re going to be thinking about that as well. Thiago’s still there. So if I’m Valverde I’m thinking: number one, they’re prepared to let me go. Two, do I start (at Liverpool)?”
Valverde remained a pivotal figure under Carlo Ancelotti last season, playing 56 times in all competitions. But Real's harrowing Champions League exit at the hands of Man City, plus the potential need to free up funds amid links to Kylian Mbappe, has led to speculation over the future of a number of stars.