Liverpool and Chelsea eye cut-price move for Atletico's Marcos Llorente

Liverpool and Chelsea are reportedly monitoring Atletico Madrid's Marcos Llorente, whose contract expires at the end of the season. The versatile Spaniard, 31, is valued at around £17m, but Atletico are confident of tying him to a new deal as Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Barcelona also circle.

  • Player: Marcos Llorente, 31, right-footed, 6ft versatile midfielder/right-back
  • Current club: Atletico Madrid, contract expires end of season
  • Interested clubs: Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Barcelona
  • Valuation: Around £17m (Transfermarkt)
  • Atletico stance: Determined to keep him, confident of new contract
  • Source: TEAMtalk report

Deal details

According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool and Chelsea are keen on signing Atletico Madrid star Marcos Llorente by taking advantage of his current contract situation. The 31-year-old's existing deal is set to expire at the end of this season.

Both Premier League clubs are looking to reinforce the right-back and midfield positions next year. Despite Llorente turning 32 next year, they have not been put off by his age.

Competition is fierce: Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Barcelona have also expressed interest, and Transfermarkt values the player at around £17m.

However, Atletico Madrid are determined to keep hold of him and are genuinely confident of tying him down to a fresh term over the coming months.

Why Liverpool and Chelsea want Marcos Llorente

Marcos Llorente is a 6ft tall right-footed versatile player. He is a defensive midfielder by trait but is also efficient in the box-to-box role. Moreover, he is comfortable at right-back and previously even played as a striker under Diego Simeone.

Having proven his worth in La Liga, Llorente has secured his place in the Spanish national team, helping his country win the World Cup this summer. He began his career at Real Madrid's La Fábrica academy, making his first-team debut in 2015, before a loan spell at Deportivo Alaves in 2016 to play regularly. He joined Atletico Madrid in 2019 and has since established himself as an undisputed starter, helping his side win a La Liga title.

For Liverpool, Llorente would offer cover and competition at right-back and in midfield — a valuable squad option given his versatility. Chelsea are similarly looking to reinforce those areas, and his availability on a free (or for a minimal fee) makes him an attractive proposition. At 31, he still possesses the engine and tactical intelligence to thrive in the Premier League, and his experience of winning major honours with club and country would be an asset in any dressing room.

Talking points

  • At 31 and 32 next year, is Llorente a shrewd short-term fix or a waste of wages for Liverpool and Chelsea?
  • Should Liverpool prioritise a younger right-back instead of a versatile stopgap like Llorente?
  • Can Chelsea convince Llorente to choose them over Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Barcelona?
  • Will Atletico Madrid succeed in tying him down, or will the lure of the Premier League prove too strong?

What happens next

Atletico Madrid are pushing to agree a new contract with Llorente over the coming months. If no deal is reached, the race for his signature will intensify, with Liverpool and Chelsea poised to make their move. The player's decision will shape the midfields and defences of two Premier League giants, while Atletico face a battle to keep one of their most reliable performers.

Frequently asked questions

Are Liverpool and Chelsea interested in Marcos Llorente?

Yes, both clubs are reportedly keen on signing the Atletico Madrid star, according to TEAMtalk.

How much would Marcos Llorente cost?

He is valued at around £17m by Transfermarkt, but his contract expires at the end of the season.

Which other clubs want Marcos Llorente?

Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Barcelona have also expressed interest in him.

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