Sean Fisher

Thu 13 October 2022 21:40, UK

Both Liverpool and Everton were interested in midfielder Guido Rodriguez in the summer, but it seems neither are going to win the race.

According to Fichajes, both halves of Merseyside showed interest in signing Real Betis midfielder Rodriguez, but neither committed to a major bid over the summer.

The Spanish side ended up holding on to him for another season, and they’re now looking at extending his deal.

The Argentinian midfielder is currently tied down at Betis until 2024, but as a key part of Manuel Pellegrini’s plans, they plan to offer him a new two-year deal during recent talks.

This comes via Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo, who claim Rodriguez is the “pillar on which Real Betis leans”.

They add: “His departure did not take place, among other reasons, because no solid offer came for him.

“Not only is it still key, but there is also a close meeting pending, before facing the World Cup, to talk about a possible renewal.

“In the summer. nothing materialized and now it remains to be seen if they are capable of taking the step forward.”

No sweat

While it seems Everton are set to miss out on a transfer target, the Toffees can at least take joy in seeing Liverpool miss out too.

Frank Lampard’s side is also fairly stacked in the midfield department, with James Garner and Tom Davies providing plenty of depth for the starting trio of Amadou Onana, Alex Iwobi and Idrissa Gueye.

There are definitely positions that need addressing more urgently. Gueye has come in over the summer to cover defensive midfield already, so Rodriguez’s new contract talks mean the club can finally turn their attention to other targets in January and next summer.

A new winger and potentially a new full-back is definitely top of Lampard’s priority list. It’s time to leave Rodriguez in the past and focus on improving the squad where it needs topping up.

If Rodriguez becomes available again in the future, then who knows. But as of now, there’s no point sticking around.