Liverpool explored a move for Raul Asencio during the summer window, but the Real Madrid defender decided against an Anfield switch and remained in Spain. That is according to Marca, which reports that interest arrived from both Liverpool and Chelsea, while a lucrative proposal also emerged from Turkey.

The development offers a useful insight into Liverpool’s thinking in the market. Following a disappointing 2025-26 campaign and the managerial reset that brought Andoni Iraola to Anfield, there was a clear expectation that defensive reinforcements would form part of the club’s rebuild. Liverpool did strengthen, but the scale of change proved more measured than many anticipated.

Asencio’s profile makes the interest understandable. At 23, he is viewed as a defender with room to grow, primarily operating at centre-back while also offering occasional cover at right-back. That sort of flexibility tends to carry value in elite squads, especially for a club attempting to manage the physical demands of multiple competitions.

Marca states: “As many as three offers arrived on Asencio’s desk during the summer.

“Two came from the Premier League, with Chelsea and Liverpool showing interest, and another from Turkey with a financial offer that could make almost any footballer hesitate.

“Furthermore, in parallel with these negotiations, Real Madrid continued their search for a centre-back.

“The club eventually signed Konaté , and in that context, Asencio was considered available for transfer. But he was never certain he wanted to leave, even though Mourinho also showed him the door.”

That reporting suggests Liverpool’s interest was serious enough to be recognised among multiple approaches, even if it never advanced to the point of a completed deal. It also underlines the reality of the market, where clubs can identify suitable targets yet still find the player’s preference becomes the decisive factor.