As per French outlet Get French Football News, Liverpool and Fulham are interested in acquiring the services of young Belgian defender Arthur Theate from Rennes.
It is revealed that both the Premier League clubs are in the market for a left-footed centre-back during this summer transfer window.
Liverpool were interested in Goncalo Inacio, a player similar in profile, earlier in this window. The Portuguese defender has since signed a new contract with Sporting CP with a release clause of €60m attached.
There is a reason why the Reds are in the market for a left-footed or a left-sided centre-back. In this new system where Trent Alexander-Arnold is a hybrid midfielder in possession, the left-back has to act as a left-sided centre-back.
So, if Andrew Robertson is playing there, he cannot bomb forward on every occasion like he used to do in the previous seasons.
We have seen the Scotsman struggle in this new position due to positional confusion and clarity. The reason being he is not a fullback who can play as a centre-back.
Hence, Liverpool must sign a player of that profile soon. Keeping that in mind, the link with Theate makes a lot of sense.
The 23-year-old Belgian international is a centre-back who can operate as a left-back if required. He is perfect for that left-sided centre-back role.
The former Bologna player is very good on the ball, can win aerial and ground duels and has the pace to live up with forwards in transition.
Although young, Theate has the experience of playing more than 100 senior games in his club career so far.
If it is financially possible, Liverpool should explore a move to sign him. Signing a centre-back along with another defensive midfielder could complete the squad for this season.
