Liverpool were already in need of a centre-back but that has only increased in recent days. Virgil van Dijk’s suspension and Ibrahima Konate’s injury only show up the lack of depth Jurgen Klopp has in the middle of his defence.
Joel Matip was brought in for his first appearance of the season in Saturday’s dramatic 2-1 win at Newcastle. He came in for Konate, who is likely to be out until after the international break with a muscular problem.
Van Dijk was then sent off in the 28th minute for denying Alexander Isak a clear goalscoring opportunity. He didn’t like the decision but will miss next weekend’s match at home to in-form Aston Villa.
Joe Gomez came off the bench, as did youngster Jarell Quansah, but Klopp’s resources are now stretched to the max. The Reds have until 11pm on Friday to finalise any transfer business and soccerhuz.com looks at three defenders they could target before then.
Liverpool have been exploring opportunities of signing a left-footed centre-back. Inacio fits the bill and has been linked with a move to Anfield.
The 22-year-old has already racked up over 120 games for Sporting Lisbon and is a senior Portugal international. He only recently signed an extension to his contract, which saw his release clause increase from £38.6million to £51.5m.
But Liverpool have favoured buying players with release clauses this summer. Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai both arrived after having their buyouts triggered.
Perr Schuurs
Liverpool were linked with Schuurs earlier this summer. The Torino star is also rumoured to be a target for Arsenal in the final days of the window.
Schuurs only moved to Serie A last summer after a couple of years in the Ajax first team. The 23-year-old is not left-footed but is the age profile Klopp is seeking.
Schuurs is Dutch so could build a partnership with compatriot Van Dijk. Doing so would help his cause of earning senior honours for the Netherlands after not getting on the pitch during his only call-up to date in September 2020.
Marc Guehi
Liverpool are one of a number of clubs interested in Crystal Palace star Guehi. The Mail claimed in May that Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham are also keeping tabs on the defender.
Guehi has excelled at Palace since joining from Chelsea in the summer of 2021. However, he has yet to sign an extension to his initial five year contract.
Guehi is comfortable playing as a left-sided centre-back despite being right-footed. He would bring Premier League experience having already played 76 times for Palace in the competition.
