Michael Edwards is preparing to make a major move upon his return to Liverpool, assuming the position of CEO of Football.
The 44-year-old has returned to Anfield to assist Liverpool in navigating the post-Jurgen Klopp era, appointing Richard Hughes from Bournemouth as the Director of Football in his first move as Football CEO.
Edwards faces the daunting task of filling the shoes of one of Liverpool’s most accomplished managers while also securing a top-tier midfielder to fill the void left by Thiago’s impending contract expiration this summer.
In this regard, Liverpool have reportedly made a substantial offer for a world-class midfielder…
Michael Edwards Makes £129m Bid to Sign “One of the Best in the World” Midfielder for Liverpool
According to El Debate in Spain, Liverpool have a keen interest in Real Madrid’s No.15, Federico Valverde.
The Spanish news outlet reports that Liverpool have been keen on signing the Uruguay international for nearly five years, and that interest persists today.
El Debate notes that Liverpool have made a €150m (£129m) offer to acquire Valverde, a bid that remains active.
Should the offer be accepted, it would surpass Liverpool’s current club record transfer fee of £75m, set with the signing of Virgil van Dijk in January 2018.
Darwin Nunez could potentially surpass this record as Liverpool’s most expensive signing. The Uruguayan forward was acquired from Benfica for an initial fee of £64m, which could increase to £85m depending on contractual clauses.
In La Liga this season, Valverde has contributed one goal and seven assists in 30 appearances.
Some may question Real Madrid’s decision to sell Valverde, especially considering Tottenham’s No.30 Rodrigo Bentancur hailed him as “one of the best in the world” presently.
Yet, Real Madrid have a precedent of parting with top talents to accommodate high-priced acquisitions. In 2013, they let Mesut Ozil join Arsenal following the record-breaking £85m signing of Gareth Bale.
Similarly, Angel Di Maria departed for Manchester United in 2014 to make room for the £63m arrival of James Rodriguez, the 2014 World Cup Golden Boot winner.
With a potentially costly ‘free transfer’ move for Kylian Mbappe in the works, projected by Sky Sports to exceed £100m, and Endrick’s arrival imminent, Valverde may find himself surplus to requirements.
Liverpool, who have tracked his progress for years, are reportedly interested in securing the South American’s services.
In other Liverpool news, Liverpool Reportedly Hold Talks with Manager Target as Rival Club Withdraw Interest