Soccer Football - LaLiga - Real Betis v Atletico Madrid - Estadio Benito Villamarin, Seville, Spain - March 6, 2022 Atletico Madrid's Joao Felix celebrates scoring their first goal with teammate Marcos Llorente REUTERS/Marcelo Del Pozo
According to reports out of Spain, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has issued a transfer demand as news emerges on Atletico Madrid star Marcos Llorente.
The Lowdown: Llorente pivotal over 2020/2021…
The 27-year-old was a pivotal player for manager Diego Simeone over 2020/2021 as Atletico sealed the La Liga title in dramatic fashion on the final day.
Llorente was described as one of the ‘revelations’ of their league-clinching campaign with the midfielder notching a mightily impressive 12 goals and 11 assists over his 37 Spanish top flight appearances (Transfermarkt).
Hailed as an ‘incredible’ player and ‘world class‘ by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, his impressive displays resulted in call-ups to the Spanish national team.
While he has played a less significant role this season, with Simeone often deploying him as a makeshift right-back, Reds boss Klopp has still been impressed enough by Llorente to issue a transfer demand.
The Latest: Liverpool eye Llorente move…
According to Spanish sources, Liverpool, and by extension owners Fenway Sports Group, have Atletico’s ace ‘on the agenda’ this summer after a personal transfer demand by Klopp.
It is believed the Reds want sign a player who ‘can occupy the most forward role’ and ‘reinforce’ the ‘interiors’ – coming after a ‘personal’ request by their manager.
Llorente, as a result, is Liverpool’s ‘new goal’ for the summer transfer window with his versatility coming as a major attraction.
The Verdict: Make a move…
Once valued at his €120 million (£101m) release clause in March 2021, the ace can be deployed in a variety of roles – defensive midfield, central midfield, attacking midfield, right midfield as a second striker and in the full-back role (Transfermarkt).
Llorente put pen to paper on a new deal until 2027 in mid-August last year with it being unclear whether his £101m release clause is still valid.
However, if Liverpool get quoted a reasonable price for the player, he may well come as a shrewd option for Klopp going by his huge performances during Atletico’s title-winning campaign.
In other news: FSG also readying bid to sign ‘top level’ £67m man as opportunity opens for him to join Liverpool, find out more here.
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