Image for Liverpool preparing big move for Real Madrid ace to solve urgent defensive issue
Image for Liverpool preparing big move for Real Madrid ace to solve urgent defensive issue
An unexpected dynamic in the European transfer market has presented Liverpool with a compelling opportunity to bolster their defensive depth this summer.
Following Ibrahima Konaté’s high-profile departure to Real Madrid, the Bernabeu’s subsequent squad overhaul under José Mourinho has cast doubt over the future of highly rated Spanish defender Raúl Asencio and Liverpool are keeping close tabs on the situation.
Intermediaries have sounded out Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes regarding the 23-year-old, who is valued in the region of £34m (€20m) according to TeamTalk. While the Reds are intrigued by the Spaniard’s availability, any potential deal currently hinges on whether the player can be persuaded to end his long-standing allegiance to Los Blancos.
The domino effect: Mourinho’s Bernabeu overhaul
The catalyst for Asencio’s sudden availability stems directly from Mourinho’s aggressive defensive reconstruction in the Spanish capital.
Having already secured Konaté from Anfield, Madrid have further reinforced their backline with the arrivals of Denzel Dumfries and Marc Cucurella. In a frank conversation with Asencio, Mourinho is understood to have communicated that while he holds the defender in high regard, senior minutes will be extremely difficult to guarantee this season.
Despite being contracted at the Bernabeu until 2031 and previously hailed by Madrid supporters as a potential successor to Sergio Ramos, Asencio now finds himself pushed down the pecking order after making 80 senior appearances for the Spanish giants.
Why Iraola and Liverpool see the perfect fit
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola could see Asencio as a great solution for his team. Asencio plays mostly as a centre-back, but he can also cover at right-back. This versatility is very appealing because Liverpool have suffered several defensive injuries.
Right-backs Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong have both struggled with injuries over the past year, with Bradley set to miss the next few months. Asencio’s ability to play on the right would solve a big problem for Iraola.
Additionally, Asencio is good at passing out from the back, fast in one-on-one battles, and strong at winning the ball high up the pitch. These qualities match Iraola’s high-pressing tactical style perfectly.
Liverpool’s need for another defender was clear during their pre-season tour of the United States.
Iraola went through parts of the tour without any senior centre-backs available, especially after Joe Gomez suffered an injury early in the first friendly match against Sunderland. Virgil van Dijk remains the team leader, alongside Joe Gomez, Jérémy Jacquet, and Giovanni Leoni, but Konaté’s departure left a big gap that Liverpool want to fill.
Although Liverpool are very interested, there are no formal talks or bids happening yet.
Further within thereport in TeamTalk the main problem is that Asencio does not want to leave Real Madrid. He is currently recovering from a minor muscle injury and wants to stay and fight for his place in Mourinho’s team, even if it means sitting on the bench for a while.
One to watch
Unless Liverpool can convince Asencio that he will be a key player for them in the Premier League, this transfer is unlikely to happen soon.
However, if Asencio changes his mind and decides his future lies away from Real Madrid, Liverpool are ready to step in and try to sign him.