Liverpool suffer blow as Zinedine Zidane tells Real Madrid to sign highly-rated star: Reports
Liverpool could be set to miss out on one of their primary targets this summer due to Real Madrid icon Zinedine Zidane. According to Spanish outlet Defensa Central (via The Boot Room), Zidane has given Florentino Perez a positive verdict of Lille centre-back Leny Yoro.
The Reds are yet to make their first signing under new boss Arne Slot. Following the departure of veteran Joel Matip, Leny Yoro has been touted as a possible replacement with Fabrizio Romano claiming the same as well.
Yoro made his senior debut for Lille on May 14, 2022, and has impressed ever since. The 18-year-old was solid last season, scoring three goals in 44 appearances across all competitions, making the UNFP Ligue 1 Team of the Year. He was also integral in Lille's qualification for the UEFA Europa League next season.
However, the Reds are reportedly set to miss out on Yoro's signature as the latter is keen on signing for Real Madrid. Zinedine Zidane has allegedly personally given Real Madrid president Florentino Perez the green light, which will also play a key factor in the transfer.
Lille have set an asking price of £50 million for Yoro with his contract set to expire next summer.
Journalist claims Liverpool are interested in signing Real Madrid's Arda Guler and Rodrygo Goes
Liverpool could lose Leny Yoro to Real Madrid this summer but the former are reportedly interested in Los Blancos' duo of Arda Guler and Rodrygo Goes, as per journalist Graeme Bailey (h/t Rousing the Kop).
In addition to a new centre-back, Arne Slot is allegedly keen on bolstering his squad with a new forward. One star they have been linked with is Rodrygo, as Bailey has claimed that the Reds have contacted the Brazilian's agents over a possible move. Moreover, they have also reached out to Florentino Perez directly over Arda Guler.
Bailey said:
“I am told that Liverpool have been checking on the situations of Rodrygo and Arda Guler – both of whom they are long-term admirers of and watched them for most of their careers. With both players, it was just a case of Liverpool checking on with Madrid, as they do with many clubs about certain players, to assess the situation."
On Guler, Bailey reported:
“On Guler, Florentino Perez does not want him to go, but he may allow a loan. We can’t see Liverpool being in that market though, and am told maybe someone like a Real Sociedad for a season is more likely."
However, on Rodrygo, he stated:
“Rodrygo is a different situation. A huge talent who not just Liverpool are keen on, but as it stands the official line is he is not available and the player isn’t pushing to move…at the moment. Endrick and Mbappe are coming in, and with Vinicius Jnr already in place Rodrygo’s situation could change, and quickly. His representatives are keeping Liverpool and other suitors informed on him.”
Rodrygo has been one of the most lethal wingers in Europe over the past few seasons and would be a massive signing for the Reds if the deal does materialize. The 23-year-old has netted 54 goals and provided 41 assists in 216 appearances across all competitions for Los Blancos.