Liverpool plot move for €50 million rated LaLiga midfielder after failed Martín Zubimendi move - Reports

Liverpool are reportedly considering a move for Atletico Madrid midfielder Pablo Barrios after failing to sign Martin Zubimendi in the summer. The Spaniard is valued at €50 million.

The Merseysiders were rather conservative with their transfer activity in the summer, making just two signings. Liverpool signed goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia and Federico Chiesa from Juventus, spending just £40 million in the transfer window.

The Reds were close to signing Real Sociedad's Zubimendi after indicating they were ready to trigger his reported €60 million release clause. However, the Euro 2024 winner rejected the offer, opting to remain in LaLiga.

According to Fichajes.net, Liverpool have now shifted their sights towards Pablo Barrios, who has impressed for Atletico Madrid in the Spanish top-flight. Barrios has started four of the five league games he's featured in for Atletico, missing four games in LaLiga and two Champions League fixtures due to a muscle injury.

The Spanish midfielder has reportedly attracted interest from various clubs across Europe. Any negotiations to sign Barrios from Atletico would begin at at least €50 million.

However, the aforementioned report claims that the Spanish outfit are keen on retaining the talented youngster. Barrios, who came through Atletico's academy and earned his first-team promotion in January of last year, has a contract that expires in 2027. Atletico's chiefs are understood to be confident of keeping the 21-year-old in the Spanish capital.

Liverpool keeping tabs on 20-year-old Serie A midfielder - Reports

Despite their rather timid transfer window this summer, Liverpool have had a stellar start to the season under Arne Slot. The Reds have won six of their first seven league fixtures and currently lead the Premier League by a point ahead of Arsenal and Manchester City.

The Merseysiders are now keeping tabs on Roma midfielder Niccolo Pisilli, according to TBR Football. Pisilli made his breakthrough into the first team this season, graduating from Roma's academy.

He has made seven appearances across competitions so far, scoring the match-winner in Roma's 2-1 Serie A victory over Venezia last month. The Italy international also earned his first senior team call-up this year, making his debut against Belgium in the Nations League on 11 October.

Liverpool are eyeing a move for Pisilli in January, with his existing contract with Roma set to expire in 2026. However, the Reds will face competition from Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, and Bournemouth, who have also shown an interest in the 20-year-old.