Why Anfield nemesis Marcos Llorente could actually be a transfer target for Liverpool in 2027
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Rousing the Kop or go back to LFC Live.
Liverpool fans could be forgiven for never wanting to see Marcos Llorente again after the Spaniard scored for a fifth time against the Reds during their Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.Amazingly, all of Llorente’s goals have come at Anfield, with the utility man famously even naming his dog Anfield after bagging twice against the Reds in 2020.However, though they may well be sick of the sight of him wheeling away in front of them, Liverpool fans may be wise to keep an eye on Llorente as a potential transfer target next year. How does Liverpool’s new-look forward line compare against the best attacks in Europe?
We could see Bradley Barcola, Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo together for the first time vs Atletico Madrid Photo Credit: Getty Images/Karl Bridgeman – UEFA Llorente could solve some issues for LiverpoolNot only did Llorente score once again in the Champions League on Wednesday, but he also put in a very accomplished performance at right-back.Though Ronald Araujo has gone some way to changing it, Liverpool do still have some very real problems in that very position.Now 31 and not a completely natural right-back, Llorente would be nobody’s idea of a long-term solution for Liverpool.Nevertheless, bringing him in would add some solidity to the right of Andoni Iraola’s defence, and as they search for the right player to nail down the position, Llorente would be an able back-up almost in the mould of Dominik Szoboszlai and what he can give from full-back.Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty ImagesREAD MORE: How Liverpool’s £400m attack compares against Real Madrid, PSG and Bayern Munich as Champions League kicks offLike Szoboszlai, Llorente is naturally a box-to-box midfielder, and with Liverpool still needing some reinforcement in the middle of the pitch as well, he could offer support in both positions.Again, he is not necessarily better than what Liverpool already have here, but signing him would add a whole load of depth for a cut-price fee.And therein lies perhaps the cherry on the top in terms of signing Llorente. The former Real Madrid man is out of contract in 2027, offering Liverpool the chance to get an experienced, versatile player who loves playing at Anfield for absolutely nothing.Given his age and profile, Llorente is almost the opposite of what Liverpool tend to go for in the transfer market, but there is a fairly strong argument that he could be just what they need in more ways than one.On top of that, for whatever reason, he clearly loves playing at Anfield.
Why not channel some of that and solve two very real issues at the same time. Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox