When Jurgen Klopp joined Liverpool, he had the reputation of not making big money buys in the transfer window. However, things change.
On June 23rd, Mundo Deportivo claimed the Merseyside club had made a ‘formal offer’ of €180m to sign Marco Asensio from Real Madrid.
Asensio was yesterday asked about the recent reports linking him with a move to Anfield. He said, “It’s out there, but I’m focused on the World Cup. When it’s over I’ll talk about that kind of thing, my head is in Russia.”
According to Telemadrid, Asensio is an ‘obsession of Klopp’ as he wants to sign him for Liverpool. The former Borussia Dortmund manager made two approaches to sign the Spain international in the past.
The report talks about the Premier League outfit’s €50m bid for Asensio in 2017, which was rejected by Real Madrid. Liverpool lost Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona in January and Klopp believes the former Mallorca man can take the Brazilian’s place in his squad.
It’s stated another offer, €150m, was made earlier this year by Liverpool
Asensio’s contract with the Spanish capital club runs until 2023 and has a release clause of €700m. Telemadrid, in a story which has been picked up by Spanish newspaper Sport, also claim Liverpool are willing to make a huge offer of €180m to sign the attacker.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez wants to sign Neymar this summer. If he fails to land the PSG star, then the Champions League winners will turn their attention towards Chelsea’s Eden Hazard.
To sign either of the two players, the 13-time European champions need funds. Mundo Deportivo claims Perez is evaluating the option of allowing Asensio join Liverpool so that he can raise money in signing Neymar or Hazard.
Asensio is aware that the arrival of Neymar or the Blues star will see his first team appearances being further limited at Real Madrid. Should the Spanish outfit sanction the 22-year-old’s sale, it is unlikely to go down well with their supporters.
