Liverpool’s chances of signing a new centre-back this summer are ‘100 per cent’, with ‘several options’, according to a reliable reporter.
Although Liverpool’s transfer window has so far focused on strengthening the midfield, there is also a place in Jurgen Klopp’s defence.
As the manager switched to a new 3-4-3 formation towards the end of last season, an additional centre-back is needed.
It has been widely reported that Liverpool will be looking for a versatile left-side option to join Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez.
And according to Football Insider’s David Lynch, club sources have described the likelihood of signing a new centre-back as ‘100 per cent’.
At this stage, it remains to be seen who that player will be, although Wolfsburg’s Micky van de Ven has been touted as the most suitable candidate.
Lynch explains the 22-year-old Dutchman is “one of many options” being considered, with Sporting CP’s Goncalo Inacio being “another name on Liverpool’s list”.
Lynch’s report mentioned no other options, although Chelsea’s Levi Colwill, West Ham’s Nayef Aguerd, Benfica’s Antonio Silva, Torino’s Perr Schuurs and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi have all been reliably linked. Four who can be ruled out are Jurrien Timber, Jean-Clair Todibo, Benjamin Pavard and Evan Ndicka, the latter of whom joined AS Roma on Wednesday.
Although the situation is not linear, it is likely that Liverpool would prioritize another signing in midfield before making progress in central defence.
But either way, there is a clear profile for the club’s recruitment team to aim for, with a young left player who has a wealth of knowledge being a priority.
Liverpool are unlikely to let Matip or Gomez go this summer, although the two have lost their place as first-choice partners to Van Dijk.
Matip is more likely to leave on a free transfer when his contract expires in 2024. Nat Phillips, Rhys Williams and Sepp van den Berg could go on, although the latter is the only player to have attracted credible interest so far.
