Liverpool are expected to step up their search for a centre-back following an injury suffered to Joel Matip against Tottenham Hotspur, according to The Guardian. The Reds have reportedly been in the market for a central defender all month, but are yet to even come close to striking a deal, and with time running out, it is a case of now or never.
Liverpool Expected to Step up Centre-Back Search
A Month of Limited Progress for Liverpool and Their Centre-Back Crisis
It has been an unfortunate season from a defensive perspective for the current Premier League champions, and they have struggled immensely with injuries. July saw Dejan Lovren depart from the club, a player who was seemingly their fourth choice central defender, but it seems that they are now crying out for a player like the Croatian.
Following Lovren’s exit, defensive pairing Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez suffered nasty injuries in October and November respectively. A return date for both is yet to be discussed with the duo continuing their rehabilitation programmes.
It is likely that they will both be fit before the end of the season, but there is no guarantee whatsoever. Adding to their problems is Joel Matip’s ankle injury. The 29-year-old was the only centre-back Liverpool had available, and there remains an element of uncertainty as to whether it was just a minor setback.
Defensive Options for Jurgen Klopp’s Side
Given the situation The Reds find themselves in, the perfect well-planned move for a world-class central defender seems highly unlikely at this point in the window.
Liverpool were reportedly hoping to wait until Dayot Upamecano became available in summer, but it seems there is now no time to wait. Real Madrid’s Eder Militao and Torino’s Gleison Bremer have been linked with a move to Merseyside, whilst The Athletic reports that West Ham United’s Issa Diop has emerged as the clubs’ most recent transfer target.
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