During the summer transfer window, Liverpool were thinking about smashing their club-record transfer fee to sign Federico Valverde.
That was according to Bernabeu Digital, who claimed that Jürgen Klopp was absolutely desperate to sign the 23-year-old and had a €100m (£86m) bid prepared.
However, the Uruguay international’s representatives told Liverpool not to bother, as Valverde is determined to succeed in Madrid.
Interestingly, after Bernabeu Digital revealed this information, Real Madrid went on to complete the £34m signing of Eduardo Camavinga from Rennes.
According to AS, that deadline day swoop for the Frenchman will complicate Valverde’s situation in Spain – he is described as collateral damage in the report.
In our view, that gives Liverpool hope in their pursuit of the South American.
Will Liverpool now be able to sign Fede Valverde?
Well, the foundations are most certainly in place.
It’s early days in Camavinga’s Real Madrid career, but if he becomes an instant hit, then Valverde’s personal stance could easily change.
There’s every chance he becomes frustrated that Real Madrid spent big on a challenger for his role, and also one who’s five years younger at 18.
Liverpool were prepared to break their transfer record for Valverde, so something tells us this wasn’t just a spur of the moment.
It’s no surprise to see Klopp admire Valverde.
The South American has been likened to Steven Gerrard by the Daily Mail, and doesn’t look out of place in a midfield containing Toni Kroos and Luka Modric of all players.
There’s certainly space for a new midfielder at Anfield after Gini Wijnaldum’s exit.
Following the report on Camavinga from AS, we believe there’s a strong chance of Valverde being the man to replace him one day.
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