Liverpool Join Race for Real Betis Starlet Jesús Rodríguez Amid Transfer Frenzy
Liverpool have entered the fray for one of La Liga’s standout young talents, with reports in Spain linking the Reds to Real Betis winger Jesús Rodríguez.
The 19-year-old has emerged as a rising star under Manuel Pellegrini, making 32 appearances in La Liga this season, chipping in with three goals and two assists. His performances have not gone unnoticed, attracting attention from scouts across Europe – and it appears Liverpool are among the most serious suitors.
Another Bold Move in a Busy Window
Arne Slot’s Anfield rebuild is beginning to take shape swiftly. Jeremie Frimpong has already signed from Bayer Leverkusen, while deals for Milos Kerkez and Florian Wirtz are understood to be nearing completion. There’s also strong interest in Moroccan defender Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal, with reports suggesting the Reds have tabled an offer to Rennes for the 20-year-old.
The pursuit of Rodríguez fits Liverpool’s recruitment strategy – targeting versatile, technically gifted youngsters with high ceilings and first-team exposure in top leagues. The Spanish winger broke into the Betis senior squad in October and quickly became a key figure, combining directness with a composure beyond his years.
Fierce Competition for a €35m Talent
According to Estadio Deportivo, Liverpool are just one of several Premier League clubs monitoring Rodríguez closely. Aston Villa are also reportedly weighing up an approach, while RB Leipzig have already submitted a €20 million bid – though it falls short of the winger’s €35 million release clause.
Rodríguez recently extended his Betis contract until 2029, putting the Andalusian club in a strong negotiating position. However, financial pressure could force their hand. Betis are eager to raise funds this summer to finance a return for Manchester United’s Antony, and Rodríguez’s sale would represent a significant windfall.
What’s Next for Rodríguez and Liverpool?
While Liverpool’s scouting team has long tracked Rodríguez – with previous reports confirming attendance at multiple Betis fixtures – it remains to be seen whether they will match Leipzig’s early bid or go closer to the €35 million mark to trigger negotiations.
Given his profile – a creative, left-footed winger with tactical maturity – Rodríguez would be an exciting addition to a Liverpool side in transition. But with increased competition and Betis holding out for top dollar, the next few weeks will prove decisive.
For now, Slot’s intent is clear: Liverpool are not just refreshing the squad; they’re future-proofing it.
The radar chart for Jesús Rodríguez offers a revealing snapshot of the 19-year-old winger’s performance over the last 365 days, benchmarking him against other attacking midfielders and wingers. Over 1,111 minutes of action, Rodríguez has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in possession and defensive phases, though there’s clear room for growth in attacking output.
Most eye-catching is his percentile rank for successful take-ons (87th percentile) and progressive carries (69th percentile). These figures highlight Rodríguez’s standout ability to beat opponents one-on-one and carry the ball into advanced areas – crucial traits for a modern wide player, especially in transition-heavy systems like Liverpool’s.
Possession-wise, he ranks well above average in progressive passes received (58th percentile) and touches (26th percentile), suggesting he frequently finds pockets of space and is comfortable receiving under pressure. His pass completion (26th percentile) and passes attempted (12th percentile), however, indicate a relatively low volume and success rate in distribution – something that may improve with time and experience in more possession-dominant teams.
Interestingly, Rodríguez’s defensive contribution is notable. He ranks in the 88th percentile for clearances, 53rd for tackles plus interceptions, and 27th for percentage of aerial duels won. For a young winger, such commitment in tracking back and disrupting opposition play is a valuable asset, especially under managers who demand high work-rate off the ball.
On the flip side, his attacking metrics remain underwhelming, with extremely low percentile ranks in xG (1st), xAG (1st), and goals (9th). This underlines that while Rodríguez is a lively dribbler and defensively aware, he has yet to become a consistent goal threat or creative hub – areas Liverpool’s coaching staff would no doubt target for development.
In summary, Jesús Rodríguez offers raw potential, elite dribbling, and defensive graft – an intriguing long-term project rather than a finished product.
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