Liverpool are eyeing up a blockbuster move for Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde next summer. The Reds are expected to strengthen in the middle of the park with Alexis Mac Allister's future uncertain and Ryan Gravenberch linked with a move away from the club.

And Valverde, 28, has emerged as Liverpool's top target for the central midfield position with Andoni Iraola's side planning an audacious £83million bid for his services, according to reports in Spain.

It's added that Valverde would be a potential direct replacement for Mac Allister, who has 18 months left to run on his contract, though the Argentine has been crucial for Iraola so far this season.

But Liverpool want Valverde and he has the potential to take the Reds to the next level. The Uruguayan has been at Real Madrid for the last decade, after moving to Spain from Penarol, and has since made more than 350 appearances, becoming an integral part of the Los Blancos side.

During his time at Real Madrid, Valverde has won it all. He has lifted the La Liga title three times, the Champions League twice, and the Copa del Rey on one occasion. If he was to move to Liverpool, he would add experience, a winning mentality and ready-made qualities to strengthen the XI.

Valverde would be perfect for Liverpool

It does feel as though Liverpool are still light in midfield, despite the emergence of Trey Nyoni, Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Gravenberch. Wataru Endo is the other senior central midfielder in the squad, though he hasn't featured at all this season.

Arsenal dominated the midfield area during Sunday's 1-0 defeat for the Reds at Anfield, and Iraola could have done with someone like Valverde to control and dictate the game.

Valverde is an elite technician, top-class passer and explosive ball-carrier, while his work-rate and energy to get around the pitch are among his biggest defensive qualities.

Back in 2025, former Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso compared Valverde to Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard. "I haven't seen many players with his physical performance," Alonso said, when asked about Valverde. "He reminds me of someone like Steven Gerrard.

"He can play anywhere, and I'm very happy to be coaching him. All coaches would like to have a Valverde on the team. He got rid of the bad taste in his mouth from the penalty the other day today, and his determination was evident in his celebration."

Alongside Gerrard, Valverde's pressing and relentless work-rate has been likened to ex-Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante. It's safe to suggest Liverpool could do with someone like Kante right now, and the sheer energy and desire he would bring to the Reds' midfield.

Nyoni impressed in the defeat to Arsenal and made some aggressive tackles, but he doesn't have the technical qualities that Valverde has. Meanwhile, Mac Allister's off-the-ball work is his biggest weakness, and Valverde would be able to cover that.

All in all, Valverde is a complete midfielder, and one of the best midfielders in the world right now. He has all-but everything, and also has an eye for goal, having netted 20 times in his last two seasons. Liverpool have to get a deal done, even if it requires them to spend more than £100m; he would be worth it.

As well as strengthening the midfield, Valverde would be able to cover in at right-back when needed, having played in that role for Real Madrid in recent times.