{"id":581234,"date":"2021-01-30T07:16:02","date_gmt":"2021-01-30T12:16:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/?p=581234"},"modified":"2026-03-15T13:54:12","modified_gmt":"2026-03-15T17:54:12","slug":"liverpool-set-to-step-up-centre-back-search","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2021\/01\/30\/liverpool-set-to-step-up-centre-back-search\/","title":{"rendered":"Liverpool Set to Step up Centre-Back Search"},"content":{"rendered":"

Liverpool<\/a> are expected to step up their search for a centre-back following an injury suffered to Joel Matip<\/a> against Tottenham Hotspur<\/a>, according to The Guardian.<\/a> The Reds have reportedly been in the market for a central defender all month,<\/a> but are yet to even come close to striking a deal, and with time running out, it is a case of now or never.<\/p>\n

Liverpool Expected to Step up Centre-Back Search<\/h2>\n

A Month of Limited Progress for Liverpool and Their Centre-Back Crisis<\/h3>\n

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<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

Following Lovren’s exit, defensive pairing Virgil van Dijk<\/a> and Joe Gomez<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

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 injur<\/a>y. The 29-year-old was the only centre-back Liverpool<\/a> had available, and there remains an element of uncertainty as to whether it was just a minor setback.<\/p>\n

Defensive Options for Jurgen Klopp’s Side<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Liverpool were reportedly hoping to wait<\/a> until Dayot Upamecano<\/a> became available in summer, but it seems there is now no time to wait. Real Madrid’s Eder Militao<\/a> and Torino’s Gleison Bremer<\/a> have been linked with a move to Merseyside<\/a>, whilst The Athletic reports<\/a> that West Ham United’s Issa Diop<\/a> has emerged as the clubs’ most recent transfer target.<\/p>\n

Main Photo
\nEmbed from Getty Images<\/a>