[ad_1]
Jamie Carragher has insisted Liverpool will fail to retain their Premier League title if they do not sign a new defender this month.
The Reds have had an injury-hit season and their back line has been hit the hardest, with Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Fabinho, Joel Matip and Trent Alexander-Arnold all facing periods on the sidelines.
Van Dijk will be the biggest miss and he faces the majority of the season out with a knee injury following a clash with Jordan Pickford in October’s Merseyside derby.
Gomez was also ruled out in the long-term and that has meant Jurgen Klopp has had to use a makeshift defence throughout the campaign.
Midfielders Fabinho and Jordan Henderson started as the centre-back pairing in the 1-0 defeat to Southampton on Monday evening, and Carragher maintained his former side cannot win the league again if there is no defensive reinforcements added in January.
“I can’t see Liverpool winning the league if they don’t buy a centre-back,” he told Sky Sports.
“I said that after the Everton game when Van Dijk was injured, but I think it’s a really tough ask if they don’t bring anyone in.
“The fact they played Jordan Henderson at centre-back is not going to do a lot for the two lads on the bench (Rhys Williams and Nathaniel Phillips) and their confidence if they have two midfielders playing there. Henderson is not a centre-back. He did well, but it’s not his position.”
But who could Liverpool sign this month to provide Klopp with cover at the back as they seek back-to-back titles?
Dayot Upamecano (RB Leipzig)
The Frenchman is one of the most coveted defenders in the world following his breakthrough onto the scene with Leipzig.
He has been linked to a host of big European clubs, including Arsenal and Manchester United, but now speculation of a switch to Anfield is hotting up.
In truth, a deal of this magnitude taking place in January is unlikely but if Klopp wants to guarantee himself quality, Upamecano is his man.
As it stands, Bayern Munich are believed to be in pole position to sign the 22-year-old, who has a £38million release clause which can be activated at the end of the season.
However, it is said he favours a move to the Premier League rather than a switch to another German club.
Sven Botman (Lille)
Dutch defender Botman, who has been hugely impressive in his debut season with Lille, is being strongly considered by Anfield chiefs in January.
Reports last week claimed the Reds were ‘working on a deal’ to bring the 20-year-old after their recruitment team identified him as a player who ticks all the boxes for a central defender.
Botman, who graduated from Ajax’s famed academy, is seen as a cheaper alternative to Upamecano and could be acquired this month.
It is understood Lille will only part ways with Botman for a fee of £35m, which could be too much for a defender who is yet to prove himself consistently for a number of seasons.
Ozan Kabak (Schalke)
The Reds were said to have ‘made contact’ with Schalke over a possible swap deal for defender Kabak this month.
The report suggested that Champions League hero Divock Origi was offered in a bid to land the 20-year-old.
The Turkey international only joined Schalke from fellow German club Stuttgart last summer.
He left boyhood side Galatasaray that January, but impressed so much that Schalke paid his £13m release clause just six months later.
His contract runs until June 2024, and he has been described as ‘sensational’ value at around £18m.
Ben White (Brighton)
Liverpool were linked with the Seagulls star throughout the summer, after his fine loan spell at Leeds, but Brighton kept hold of their hot prospect and he signed a new contract.
The south coast club will not sell him on the cheap and will ask for at least £50m if Liverpool reignite their interest in the Englishman.
White was linked with Leeds and Chelsea throughout the summer after earning rave reviews at Elland Road last season, but he stayed at Brighton and has started 16 of their Premier League matches this term.
Maximilian Wober (Red Bull Salzburg)
The Reds signed Takumi Minamino from Red Bull Salzburg in January last year and could now go for a second flutter at the Austrian club this term.
Wober has caught the eye of Jurgen Klopp this season for his imperious performances at the heart of Salzburg’s defence.
The 22-year-old would also be a cheap option, with Salzburg valuing him at around £13.3 million when Lyon were snooping around a potential deal in the summer.
Merih Demiral (Juventus)
The 22-year-old has played a peripheral role for Andrea Pirlo’s side this season, starting just six Serie A matches this season.
A host of top clubs are believed to be interested, but Juve want a hefty £45.2m if they are to part ways with the centre-back.
Furthermore, it is understood the Italian giants have little interest in loaning him out with an option to buy.
Should Klopp pursue a deal for him, he will have to fend off competition from Leicester, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid for his signature.
David Alaba (Bayern Munich)
Liverpool are among five clubs to have contacted the defender’s agent about a transfer with his contract up in the summer, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
His versatility is legendary, having played in a variety of defensive positions, including centre and left-back for Bayern.
Having played on the left under Louis van Gaal, Pep Guardiola is credited with turning him into a central defender.
“I’ve been getting better with every year he’s been here, because of [Guardiola],” Alaba once told the Guardian. “But I didn’t know myself that I could play as central defender.”
Guardiola enjoyed being able to call upon him during his three years at the club.
“He can play anywhere. He’s quick, is good in the build-up and is always 100 per cent focused. Without doubt he can be one of the best centre-backs in the world. He’s a huge gift for Bayern.”
However, Real Madrid are leading the race to sign him and the 28-year-old fancies himself at the Bernabeu next season and will be a free agent in June.
[ad_2]
Source link
Comments are closed.