Liverpool are keeping a close eye on the centre-back market.
We are only six matches into the new Premier League campaign, but Liverpool are already starting to look ahead. With several early concerns in the squad, they may have to move quickly in the transfer window to address some immediate needs.
One area that is already looking thin is central defence. Giovanni Leoni’s ACL injury will keep him out for up to a year, and with only three recognised options left, reinforcements might be needed sooner rather than later.
Dayot Upamecano has been one of the names regularly linked with Liverpool in recent weeks. Given their current situation, it would not be surprising if those rumours pick up pace again soon.
The Bayern Munich defender has reportedly caught Liverpool’s attention, but securing his signature will not be straightforward. Several other clubs are also believed to be interested.
Marc Guehi was expected to be the main defensive addition for Liverpool in the upcoming window, but occasionally, unexpected options appear that are hard to ignore.
And it is clear Liverpool see Upamecano as one of those options, especially given they could land “one of the most exciting centre-backs in the world” without a fee.
With Ibrahima Konate also potentially on his way out, there would be a clear path for Upamecano to step in. Speaking to CF Bayern Insider, journalist Christian Falk has shared an update on how seriously the club is considering him.
“It is true that Liverpool are looking at Dayot Upamecano. Bayern have been trying to give Upamecano a new contract for months. I think it’s coming up to a year of talks!
“And the time is running out because next summer he’s a free agent, and it makes him so interesting for many, many clubs.
“Liverpool, of course, have the same situation with Ibrahima Konate – he’s also going to be a free agent next summer. And yes, if Liverpool can get a player like Dayot Upamecano for free, that’s pretty good business.
“That said, every top club in the world is looking at him; I heard that Real Madrid is very, very interested in him. Also, the player is understood to be on the list at Manchester United and PSG,” Falk revealed.
Liverpool are finding themselves short-staffed at the back, and it is becoming increasingly clear that they will need to address this issue when the transfer window opens in January.
The loss of Giovanni Leoni has left them with just three centre-backs to call on, a number that simply is not enough for them to get through a full campaign given their heavy schedule.
On top of that, both Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez have had trouble staying fit in the past, while Virgil van Dijk is now 34 and naturally slowing down. It is a combination that does not inspire much confidence over a long season.
Liverpool could ask players like Wataru Endo or Ryan Gravenberch to fill in at times, but relying on midfielders to cover in defence is far from ideal for a club aiming to stay at the top of the league.
Either Upamecano or Guehi would give Liverpool some much-needed depth. And since both are expected to leave their current clubs on free transfers next summer, their teams might be open to doing business early just to recoup something before they walk away for nothing.
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