All best defenders linked with Liverpool this summer: Who will Klopp sign?
Liverpool have been linked with a number of midfielders for Klopp’s rebuild but many sources have indicated defenders are also in the Liverpool priority list.
After the blockbuster signings of Mac Allister and Dominic Szoboszlai, the Reds are looking to continue their good form in the transfer market. Liverpool are now linked to a number of defenders as well.
Reports last month have rated Liverpool’s chances of making a defensive acquisition this summer at “100 percent”. Also, a whole host of names have been linked to Anfield as a result.
After twitching the tactics and deploying Trent in the midfield, Klopp would need some defensive reinforcements for the next season.
The 3 behind in Konate, Van Dijk, and Robertson are required to up their game while Trent is given access to play in the hybrid role.
While Robertson is decent at defending, his real prowess comes while he is attacking from the left flank, swinging in crosses.
This situation has sparked calls in some quarters for the Reds to sign a specialist to operate on the left of the back three.
Defenders Liverpool are linked with
Here, we take a look at some of the reported defenders linked with Liverpool and rank them based on our order of preference.
6. Jarrad Branthwaite
Hailing from the arch-rivals, Everton, Branthwaite could provide Liverpool with an unlikely solution at the back. It would see him become the first player to make the trip directly across Stanley Park since Abel Xavier over two decades ago.
However, the 21-year-old’s ability to play as both left-back and centre-back could be an attractive proposition for Klopp.
The defender recently returned from a loan spell at PSV in which he registered 27 Eredivisie appearances. He already has bundles of experience at a tender age and could become a top defender if nurtured correctly.
There are opinions that he might not be good enough to get into the starting XI, but he would provide a long-term option nonetheless.
5. Marc Guehi
The 23-year-old Crystal Palace defender would be a good option for the Reds. The £50m rated player could end Liverpool’s homegrown concerns and also has lots of PL experience.
However, the asking price might be off-putting and this might be a factor that the Reds might not consider the defender.
4. Goncalo Inacio
The Portuguese defender has been linked to the Anfield club and it has good reasons for it. After having their way with players from the Portuguese league, the Sporting defender makes for potential stardom.
Like the previous acquisitions, Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez, the 21-year-old could be a great signing. However, at such a tender age, he would have no immediate pressure. Also, under Klopp and alongside Van Dijk, he could be a scary defender for the Reds.
3. Alessandro Bastoni
The Italian stallion is surely one of the big names and has a great reason for it as well. Champions League finalist with Inter, the 24-year-old has been a sensation for the Italian club.
Bastoni would theoretically be an ideal tactical fit for Liverpool in that he is used to operating as the left-sided centre-back in a defensive three. Also, he already has a wealth of experience in a top European league under his belt.
His performances last season helped his side book an unlikely Champions League final place in Istanbul. Along with that, he caught the attention of a number of top clubs around the continent.
However, it feels a slightly farfetched prospect given the eventual amount that the midfield overhaul is likely to cost. But he is a player capable of slotting straight into Liverpool’s starting 11 as soon as he is required.
2. Micky van de Ven
Since the signing of the sporting director, Schmadtke the Wolfsburg defender has been heavily linked to Anfield. This is mainly because of Jorg’s links to his former club.
The Dutchman could play as both CB and LB which gives him the perfect attributes to fill the role. His pace and height are valuable assets for Liverpool, especially if they deploy a back 3.
However, recent developments suggest that he could be now set to move to Spurs. The Reds now need to move quickly if they are to get their man.
1. Levi Colwill
The new name on the list is probably the best one in Chelsea’s Levi Colwill. It could prove to be the most difficult deal to complete, but it would also be perhaps the best of the lot.
Liverpool’s interest in Levi Colwill was first reported back in March. The club was said to be “keeping an eye” on the defender who was then on loan at Brighton.
The signing would not come cheap and Chelsea will be keen to avoid selling to a Premier League rival. But this is a player who could provide a decade-long answer to Liverpool’s defensive deficiencies.
He has shown himself to be comfortable operating as a left-sided centre-back and would provide a welcome boost to the Reds’ homegrown quota.
