Liverpool are being urged to smash their transfer record once again this summer and blow the bank on a Real Madrid superstar who former Reds legend Danny Murphy insists is “as near to Steven Gerrard as I’ve seen.”
The Anfield hierarchy have already spent over £400million in the last 12 months, but that hasn’t stopped calls for yet another monster outlay in the engine room — this time to trigger the £120million release clause of Federico Valverde in a mouth-watering transfer tug-of-war with bitter rivals Manchester United.
Despite the Liverpool midfield looking one of the most settled departments on the pitch, the continued Real Madrid interest in Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai has opened the door for reinforcements. And Murphy — speaking to Spreadex Sports — has made it crystal clear who he wants Arne Slot to go all-in for.
The ex-England international didn’t hold back, naming the Uruguay international as the ultimate “leader” the Reds desperately need.
“Call me old fashioned, but I’d be going for someone in the middle of the pitch who is a leader. Someone everyone can look up to. A bit like Szoboszlai has done this season,” Murphy said.
“I always look at Federico Valverde at Madrid. If they could get him, he’s everything. He’s as near to Gerrard as I’ve seen – he’s got wonderful athleticism and he can do everything.
“He’s not as good as Gerrard, but he’s a phenomenal player.”
Murphy went even further, insisting there would be “no risk” with the 27-year-old even at a staggering £100m+ fee — and with Valverde’s £120m release clause now firmly in the spotlight, Liverpool have a clear route to make it happen.
The former Liverpool star added: “They might not be able to get him out, but someone like that who can walk through the door and grasp it. There’s no risk with a signing like that, even if it costs £100 million.”
That kind of money would represent insane investment — but the prize is a box-to-box monster who can dictate games, score screamers from distance and lead from the front exactly like Gerrard did in his prime.
The only problem? Manchester United are already in the race and have shown concrete interest.
Reports late in the January window claimed the Red Devils actually lodged a formal offer for Valverde amid uncertainty over Kobbie Mainoo’s future. While that move didn’t materialise, the links have only grown stronger, setting up a potential summer transfer WAR between England’s two biggest clubs.
United fans would love nothing more than to snatch the Uruguayan from under Liverpool’s noses — especially after the Reds’ dominance in recent seasons. But Murphy is adamant Slot’s side should be the ones to strike first and trigger that monster clause before their rivals can pounce.
Valverde himself has been in sensational form for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, even wearing the captain’s armband in recent weeks. Yet the player appeared to shut down talk of an exit in a fresh interview with Marca.
“I’m very happy to be part of this team, it’s an honour to have these teammates and to keep improving as a team,” Valverde said.
“Wearing it (the captain’s armband) is fantastic. I try to bring out my best, and in recent matches it’s been difficult not to do so.
“I train to bring out the best in myself. I appreciate the support of my teammates, who always make me smile, and the coaching staff for trusting in me.”
Those words will come as a blow to both Liverpool and United — but with Real Madrid’s interest in Mac Allister and Szoboszlai refusing to go away, the Reds may have no choice but to go big in the middle.
Murphy’s message is simple: forget the risk, trigger the £120m clause and bring in the “phenomenal” leader who can walk into Anfield and instantly become the new Gerrard.
The summer transfer window is still months away, but the battle for Valverde is already heating up. Liverpool versus Manchester United in an epic £120m tug-of-war? Get ready — this one is going to be explosive.