Liverpool are set to land their eighth signing of an already fully-engaged summer as Real Madrid are likely to accept their bid for midfielder Asier Illaramendi to move to Anfield. A report from Metro is saying Asier Illaramendi’s exit from Real Madrid is “inevitable” and Liverpool are now on the verge of sealing the transfer of the midfielder.
Illaramendi joined Los Blancos two summers ago, and has made 59 appearances in total for the Spanish giants. The Spanish player has now been widely tipped to make a switch to the Premier League, with Liverpool his preferred destination.
Real Madrid are now willing to part ways with the former Real Sociedad ace, and according to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Illaramendi’s transfer away from the Bernabeu is inevitable.
Liverpool are favourites to sign the 25-year old, whose valuation stands at £16m. Illaramendi’s future at the Bernabeu has been under scrutiny after enduring limited game time last term, starting on 10 times under Carlo Ancelotti.
Los Blancos appeared to not be satisfied with the £10m offered by the Reds some weeks back for the midfield enforcer and with the Reds willing to up the offer to around £16m, the Spanish giants will likely sell the technically-gifted passer.
New Madrid boss Rafael Benitez does not really rate Illaramendi – who has been tipped for a great future should he get enough playing time. A move away from the Bernabeu will therefore benefit all parties involved.
Illaramendi is likely to be Brendan Rodgers’ man to fill the void left open by legend Steven Gerrard after the Englishman’s departure to the MLS at the end of last season.
Liverpool face Premier League newcomers AFC Bournemouth in their second Premier League game of the season at Anfield, where Rodgers and his charges will be looking to gain another three points after the grittily-earned one at the Britannia last Sunday.