Real Madrid man spuriously linked to the Premier League…
Reports in the Daily Star have linked Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United with a move for Real Madrid’s Spanish battler Asier Illarramendi – but unfortunately for us Reds, the story seems pretty wide of the mark….
The conjured transfer rumour is based on the fact that the 24-year-old (along with Sami Khedira) was made to train separately before the Champions League clash with Brendan Rodgers’s men on Tuesday evening – but MARCA confirms that this was simply because the pair were injured and not fit enough to make the squad.
It’s a shame for Liverpool that the story seems to have little ground, as Illarramendi would arguably provide exactly what the Reds need right now.
He prides himself on his energy, determination, discipline and zipped passing in the centre. Not only can he tackle, but he can press and recycle possession too thanks to his excellent technical skills.
In this respect, he could be a long-term replacement for Steven Gerrard at the base of midfield, with Emre Can actually being used further forward by Rodgers so far.
Illarramendi cost Real €32.2m back in 2013, but if he were available, he’d cost much less than that now. We’d be wise to take a serious look at whether the transfer could be a possibility in the future.