Liverpool Decide Against Defensive Acquisition This Summer, Where Did All of the Rumoured Targets End Up?
Liverpool had a busy summer in the transfer market, with five senior players making way for four incomings in the midfield renovation. While many fans called for defensive reinforcement, the club’s business didn’t extend to centre-backs. A mixture of high-profile and lesser-known names were touted as options for Jurgen Klopp, who has entered 2023/24 with the same men he called upon last season at the back.
So, what happened to all of the rumoured defensive targets? Here’s an overview of the Reds’ reported defensive targets in the window and a look at where they will be playing their football this season.
Who Moved Clubs?
- Josko Gvardiol – RB Leipzig to Man City – £77.6 million
- Micky van de Ven – Wolfsburg to Tottenham – £34.5 million
- Jurrien Timber – Ajax to Arsenal – £38 million
- Benjamin Pavard – Bayern Munich to Inter Milan – £27.5 million
- Evan Ndicka – Eintracht Frankfurt to Roma – Free
Who Stayed Put?
- Levi Colwill – Chelsea
- Perr Schuurs – Torino
- Antonio Silva – Benfica
- Marc Guehi – Crystal Palace
- Goncalo Inacio – Sporting CP
- Nayef Aguerd – West Ham
- Jarrad Branthwaite – Everton
- Gleison Bremer – Juventus
- Jean-Clair Todibo – Nice
- David Carmo – Porto
It was a busy transfer window as far as the midfield was concerned, but many fans feel the squad remains short of defensive cover. Levi Colwill was a name that piqued the interest of supporters, but the 20-year-old was charmed into signing a new long-term deal with Chelsea by new boss Mauricio Pochettino.
Liverpool will be hoping they don’t eventually rue letting Josko Gvardiol, Jurrien Timber and Micky van de Ven all find homes at Premier League rivals having been credited with interest in all three over the summer. Whether the Reds dip back into the defensive market in January remains to be seen.
Nat Phillips was only loaned out to Celtic on a short-term basis which indicates that there is still a degree of uncertainty around the injury records of our current centre-back options.
Do you believe Liverpool should have invested in the back line and, if so, which player would have suited the side best? Let us know in the comments below!