Liverpool Transfer News: Asier Illarramendi Hopes Boosted, Latest Rumours

Liverpool could reportedly still facilitate a deal that would bring Asier Illarramendi from the fringes of the Real Madrid team to Anfield.

According to AS (h/t Sean Kearns of Metro), Los Blancos have told the former Real Sociedad man that he “is free to leave the club this summer” and that an offer was already lodged by the Merseysiders. Kearns wrote that with Lucas Leiva set to leave Liverpool, Illarramendi is viewed as a “perfect replacement” for the Brazilian.

Here’s a glimpse at what the Real man could bring to Anfield:

As is evident in the video, Illarramendi is a few shades removed from Lucas and not what you’d call a natural replacement. Indeed, while the Brazilian is all about tough tackling and defensive anticipation, the Spanish international is a much more cultured presence at the base of midfield.

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Early in his career, he was compared to Xabi Alonso, who also came through the ranks at Real Sociedad. But his once bright star has faded since moving to the capital in the summer of 2013, with the 25-year-old finding minutes difficult to come by in the iconic white jersey.

But as we can see here, courtesy of WhoScored.com, Illarramendi was able to showcase his abilities when he did get on the pitch:

The spark that this young midfielder had at the Anoeta seems to have gone, though. Illarramendi used to swagger through games with Sociedad, but he’s become a last resort at Madrid.

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There’s no denying he needs invigorating, and Bleacher Report’s Sam Tighe commented earlier this summer that Illarramendi would be a tremendous option for Liverpool:

Manager Brendan Rodgers certainly needs a defensive midfielder. The Reds have done some excellent business in this window and look primed for a tilt at the top four places. But should Lucas leave, there would be no orthodox holding player in the squad. That has to worry a team that’s spent so much already.

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As Bleacher Report’s Matt Ladson noted during Liverpool’s season opener against Stoke City, that means the Reds have had to deploy players—like skipper Jordan Henderson—in a deeper role, even though they're not natural fits:

"

This use of Henderson completely restricts his game. Rodgers’ refusal to get a decent DM will be his downfall.

— Matt Ladson (@mattladson) August 9, 2015"

Illarramendi would be capable of knitting this team together brilliantly. He has the passing range, in-game intellect and defensive presence to shore up the Liverpool midfield, potentially making him a major asset to the side. It’s a move the player would surely be keen on getting done too.

After all, not only are Liverpool showing massive ambition with their summer spending, but regular playing time just isn't available for Illarramendi at the Santiago Bernabeu. A move elsewhere may allow him to make good on the glittering potential he once showcased, but should he rot away in the background at Madrid any longer, it’s going to be a long road back to the top.