Richard Hughes gets answer after shock approach for Atletico Madrid defender
Liverpool are in the process of overhauling their defensive options.
Big-name players like Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson have left the club on free transfers. Combined with those exits are complicated injury situations around Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez.
Bradley is out for the foreseeable future while Gomez broke down in the preseason victory over Sunderland at the weekend.
The picture isn’t pretty and Richard Hughes as well as Andoni Iraola need to get their thinking caps on regarding potential recruitment.
Liverpool make enquiry for Ruggeri
One area that looked settled however was left-back. Milos Kerkez was signed for around £40m from Bournemouth last summer - pushing Robertson to the margins and eventually to Tottenham on a free.
The Hungary international is expected to dominate Liverpool’s left flank for the next few years - with Kostas Tsimikas returning from his Roma loan to provide an alternative option.
It hasn’t stopped Reds recruiters making checks on other left-backs however with a report in Tuttomercatoweb claiming that Liverpool held talks over signing Matteo Ruggeri from Atletico Madrid.
Atletico say no to Liverpool approach
The Italian, 24, joined Diego Simeone’s side from Atalanta last summer for around €20m but risks being demoted since the acquisition of FIFA World Cup winner Alex Grimaldo.
But Atleti are in no mood to strike a deal for a player who first came on Liverpool radar during Atalanta’s run to the 2024 UEFA Europa League title.
Bet £10, Get £30 in Free Bets
Open an account and place a qualifying bet of £10 at min odds of 1/5 (1.2) or greater.
18+New UK/ROI customers. Min £5 deposit. Bet Credits available on settlement of qualifying bets, capped at £10 stake. Min odds 1/5 (1.20). Bet Credits expire in 7 days. Excl. Cashed Out/Free Bets/Boosted odds. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org
£30 FREE
CLAIM NOW
Will Liverpool stick with Kerkez and Tsimikas?
“Los Colchoneros have rejected Inter, Fiorentina, Milan, Juventus, Liverpool, and Tottenham,” the report reads.
“In recent weeks, there's been interest from Serie A and Premier League clubs—some with significant offers, well above the €20 million he paid a year ago—but Simeone's plan is to keep him for another year (at least) after his strong performances.
“Liverpool have been monitoring Ruggeri's development for a couple of years, so much so that after the 2024 Europa League final, they conducted an inquiry, but the response was negative.”
It remains to be seen whether Hughes and Iraola pursue other left-back targets or else face the season with Kerkez and Tsimikas as their duo.
Related News
Bradley Barcola's forward teammate makes decision over Liverpool move
