If a report from Estadio Deportivo is believed to be true, Liverpool are keeping close tabs on Guido Rodríguez over a potential winter transfer. The Real Betis midfield ace has been in blistering form but is yet to extend his stay beyond the summer of 2024.
The 28-year-old Argentina international began his career at River Plate. There he struggled for gametime in the senior set-up, and was loaned out to Defensa y Justicia for regular minutes. Mexican outfit Club Tijuana secured Rodríguez’s services in the summer of 2016 and an impressive 2016-17 season earned him a $7m transfer to fellow Liga MX side América.
The Argentine continued to impress as a deep-lying playmaker and the Verdiblancos eventually signed him in January 2020. He soon secured a first-team status in the Betis midfield and eventually became a vital cog under Manuel Pellegrini. So far Rodríguez has made 111 appearances for them across competitions, but his stint might come to an end soon if the Reds step up the chase to bolster themselves in the centre of the pitch.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are not the only English team to keep an eye on the ‘number six’. Arsenal were chasing him last summer and the high-flying Gunners might revive interest to enhance squad depth in the upcoming window.
The Merseysiders are undergoing a dreadful Premier League run with just three wins in 9 games. The majority of renowned names are struggling due to form and fitness concerns, and the lack of transfer activities has been highlighted as one of the key reasons for their downfall.
What Is Going Wrong For Liverpool In Midfield
Their midfield, in particular, is abysmal with Thiago Alcantara being the only consistent performer. But the Spaniard has a history of frequent injuries, whereas Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are yet to play a single minute this term as they fall in the same category in terms of staying fit all throughout the campaign.
Jordan Henderson is not the same player he used to be a couple of years back. On the other hand, James Milner is at the twilight of a glorious career. Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott are not ready yet to feature twice a week for months, while the signing of Arthur has been catastrophic as the Brazilian is sidelined for months after being brought in to cover for their injured midfielders.
Rodríguez could be a decent alternative to Fabinho deep down the midfield, but the Reds should look for younger options considering the rising age of their starting XI. He will be in his 30s by the closure of the next season and the Reds must not opt for a January swoop unless he is made available for a minuscule price.
