Transfer story
After it was announced that Liverpool are in the market for big names and are all set to spend big, many names in the upper echelon have been linked with the Reds. One such name is of James Rodriguez who is reported to be a £52 million target for Jürgen Klopp this summer. The Colombian is expected to be on his way out of Real Madrid after his playing time was reduced to just a few starts in the recently concluded season.
Real Madrid does not want less than £60 million for the attacker but will have to lower their asking price for a player who has made it clear time and again of his intentions to leave the Bernabeu.
Liverpool will have to fight with Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain who are also gunning for Rodriguez’s signature. Though the Colombian prefers a move to England, he now has a choice to decide between the two most successful English clubs of all time.
Player stats
Rodriguez started just 13 league games for Real Madrid in the 2016/17 season and made 9 appearances from the bench. Overall, he made 30 appearances for the Los Blancos this past season and scored 11 goals and delivered 8 assists.
Rodriguez had a stunning passing percentage of 89 per game and also attempted 1.5 shots per 90 minutes.
What he’ll offer to the club?
Though the pin-up boy of the 2014 World Cup has failed to reach the hype which was created by his arrival at the biggest event, he is still considered as one of the best in his position in the world which is all because of his superlative talent.
The attacking midfielder’s signature, more than all, can prove to be a statement from Liverpool this summer that they can stand up to the Manchester clubs in terms of money and attraction for the big players. He can be a marquee signing for the Reds which they have lacked since the departure of Luis Suarez and also form an integral part of Klopp’s squad.
Worth the money?
Liverpool do have money to spend this summer and £52 million for James Rodriguez is a decent enough pricing for the 25-year old. Liverpool can provide Rodriguez with a platform to shine again and give his best years to the Reds.
But there are doubts that the Colombian won’t be a fit in Jürgen Klopp’s philosophy as he has not been known for his work rate and defensive contribution. If Liverpool do sign him in the coming weeks, both the parties will have to work hard to make this move a successful one.
