Liverpool’s Search for a New Centre-Back
Liverpool’s chances of signing a new centre-back this summer are “100 percent,” according to a reliable journalist, with “several options” being considered. With Jurgen Klopp switching to a 3-4-3 system towards the end of last season, an additional centre-back is required to provide cover for Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez.
Wolfsburg’s Micky van de Ven and Sporting CP’s Goncalo Inacio are two of the names on Liverpool’s list, though there are several other options being considered. 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 linked with a move to Anfield.
Target Profile
The club is looking for a young, left-sided option who is adept in wide areas. Liverpool are not expected to allow either Matip or Gomez to depart this summer, though Nat Phillips, Rhys Williams and Sepp van den Berg could all move on. Van den Berg is the only player who has attracted credible interest so far.
Midfield Priorities
Though the focus of Liverpool’s transfer window so far has been on strengthening the midfield, it seems likely that another signing in midfield will be prioritised before any progress is made at centre-back. Liverpool have already signed Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig and are reportedly close to sealing a deal for Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma.
Conclusion
It is clear that Liverpool are in the market for a new centre-back this summer and have identified several potential targets. However, with the club prioritising midfield reinforcements first, it may be some time before any progress is made in this area.