Liverpool Must Make ‘Excellent’ Real Madrid Star Their Priority Transfer Target – Opinion | OneFootball

Liverpool Transfers: One Last Push to Sign This Real Madrid Star?

As the dust settles on a remarkable Anfield night in the Champions League, the victorious squad must put any emphatic reflection aside to concentrate on winning the next battle (against visiting Aston Villa on Saturday evening), rather than reminiscing on the last. On Tuesday evening, the Liverpool fanbase cheered and celebrated the return of their former midfield maestro, Xabi Alonso, who brought his overachieving Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool for game-week four in this season’s revamped European Cup. The cheers echoed long and loud, especially in that exhilarating second half.

As the most sought after and well-regarded young coach in all of world football, it was always going to be a tantalizing encounter, with the former Spain international, Alonso, facing off against Anfield ‘s new head coach, Arne Slot. Various levels of gossip and assumption had the two up-and-coming operators pitted against one another (to land the Anfield post) in the recent summer, however, following last night’s Merseyside demolition it is safe to say that the reds Sporting CEO, Michael Edwards, was fully justified in appointing the former Feyenoord manager, Slot, to replace the legendary former boss, Jürgen Klopp.

X: @FrancoisPlateau

What Decisions Should Come Next?

It is of course vital to agree new contracts for three world-class players on Merseyside, with Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander Arnold, and Mohamed Salah, the trio that is closing in on the final six months of their respective deals. I have little doubt that those negotiations are proceeding positively, given that both Michael Edwards and his new sporting Director, Richard Hughes, are overseeing delicate talks that could either invigorate or dishearten an expectant fanbase.

Aside from those tentative negotiations, the club’s footballing executives must also look at how best to improve the first team squad in the upcoming transfer window. In the summer months of this year, there was the much-publicised disappointment in failing to land the Real Sociedad superstar, Martín Zubimendi.

Photo: IMAGO

That transaction (which fell away at the second to last hurdle), at least indicated what the primary target position was, to continue the regeneration within. Ultimately, the emergence of Ryan Gravenberch (as the team’s common deepest midfielder), can only be seen as a huge positive, however, that does not eradicate the need for new specialist blood.

Liverpool’s Primary Target

In the past couple of weeks, there have been repeated stories coming out of the Spanish press which indicates that Real Madrid’s once dominant enforcer, Aurélien Tchouaméni, may become surplus to requirements for the European heavyweights. The France international midfielder was someone who was once linked with a move to Merseyside (when departing Monaco in 2022), essentially as the long-term replacement for the now departed Brazilian legend, Fabinho.

Given the physical profile and in possession excellence of the 6ft 2inch ball winning machine, this is the exact specimen that should jump to the top of Richard Hughes’ wanted list. His stock seems to have dropped dramatically under Carlo Ancelotti, essentially given the deep and phenomenal players within the Madrid group.

Photo: IMAGO

Despite the much-improved solidity throughout the reds team and a better understanding of roles within Liverpool’s table topping squad, this specialist defensive midfielder is the type of statement signing which should be targeted if at all feasible. Despite holding a deep admiration for the Japan captain, Wataru Endō, the near 32-year-old remains an asset that must be upgraded upon, given his on-ball limitations and likelihood to regress.

If ever there was a perfect candidate to come into this team and add remarkable depth to the already impressive midfield group, then the 38-cap France international should be someone that is targeted with forceful intent, even if it exceeds the £50m which was one set aside for fellow La Liga sensation, Martín Zubimendi.

How Important Could This Deal Be?

The difference between ultimate success and heartbreaking failure (this season at Anfield) could hinge upon one key signing in the new year. Though I would love to see a new and more defensively minded left back recruited, I am still comfortable with the options of Kostas Tsimikas, and Andy Robertson, for this season at least. Regarding the 24-year-old Bernabéu

based midfielder, Tchouaméni, his midseason addition may be the perfect injection to kickstart a new era of success. If there is one deal to be done that truly rubber stamps the ambitions of this club, then a trip to Madrid should be booked and Liverpool’s 45-year-old, Richard Hughes, must ensure that this trip to Spain is a successful one.