Arne Slot facing $1 billion release clause to complete first Liverpool transfer

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot is looking to add to the Reds front line in the summer transfer market, and has reportedly shown interest in two stars who are currently at Real Madrid.

According to HITC’s Graeme Bailey, Liverpool has reached out to Real Madrid officials to inquire about the availability of Arda Guler and Rodrygo for potential loan deals. While the pair of young wingers’ talent is unquestioned, the summer arrivals of Endrick and Kylian Mbappe have suddenly cast doubt on whether they’ll be able to squeak into the Bernabeu side’s starting 11.

Mbappe is expected to slot in as the lone striker for Madrid, with Vinicius Junior all but guaranteed to start on the left wing. A fierce competition for the right flank will likely play out between Endrick and Fede Valverde, while Brahim Diaz and Lucas Vazquez are additionally in the fold and more than capable of excelling on the wings.

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The Reds, meanwhile, are hoping to bolster their front line with an influx of new talent after injuries caused the unit to struggle at times last year. Despite getting off to a strong start last season, Liverpool's season fizzled out, suffering knockouts from a myriad of tournaments and coming away with only a Carabao Cup triumph to show for their effort.

Liverpool chiefs have had their eyes on Rodrygo for quite some time, and could pounce at the opportunity should he become available this summer. The 23-year-old Brazilian remains intent on letting his immediate future play out before making any rash decisions, but HITC reports that there is slight concern amongst his camp.

Unfortunately for Slot and Co, Rodrygo possesses a release clause of approximately £847m (€1bn), making a potential transfer all the more difficult. It should be noted that such huge release clauses are common practice in Spain, protecting clubs from being required to sell without negotiating a fee they are happy with as such a clause will never be met.

Guler has also drawn the attention of Liverpool, as well as a plethora of other clubs interested in acquiring his talents. The 19-year-old has burst onto the global football scene at the EURO 2024, netting a brilliant goal for Turkey in their 3-1 win over Georgia earlier this month. He will have even more opportunities to shine in front of the world, with his home country finishing second in Group F and advancing to the Round of 16.

It remains highly unlikely that Real Madrid will part with Guler, who recently signed with Los Blancos last summer and has already shown flashes of brilliance. While battling a series of injuries last season, he still managed to amass six goals in only 10 league games.

Should Madrid look to loan Guler out in order to provide him with more playing time and not impede his development, Liverpool could serve as an ample fit for the teenage phenom.