Omar Colley is the perfect ball-playing fourth choice defender

Liverpool should look at Omar Colley.

Reports have indicated that the Reds are interested in The Gambia’s international defender, and he would be a really interesting player to bring to the club.

Liverpool are certainly in the market for a fourth choice centre-back and Omar Colley could be that man.

With a value of just £4.5 million, according to Transfermarkt, he might not break the bank and would provide cover in an important area for a good price. However, Sampdoria paid around £7 million for the player and would surely want to make a profit on him.

According to Smarter Scout, Colley is an excellent ball-player while also being strong in the air. He played nearly 3,000 minutes in Serie A last season and was powerful in the tackle, good around aerial duels, a fine recoverer of the ball and an excellent passer towards goal.

The manner in which this player has progressed through his career indicates someone who is prepared to take everything in his stride, deals with it, and comes out of the other end as an improved footballer.

Colley moved to Finland from The Gambia in 2013, went to Sweden in 2015, Belgium in 2016 and Italy in 2018. Every club he’s gone to, Colley has been a star and quickly attracted attention from sides further up the food chain.

He’s never played in the Champions League, and has only 11 Europa League appearances under his belt, which could count against the player – especially as Liverpool need someone who could perform at the highest level.

One thing that could be held against the 27-year-old is his ability to disrupt opposition attacks and his poor ball retention. Losing the ball easily will come back to hurt Liverpool, and they may prefer a player who can keep it under pressure better.

Sporting director Michael Edwards has been reluctant to buy players this season, but he could have some money to play with soon. Wolves are interested in buying Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, but are still a little bit off the asking price.

Could we see Colley in a red shirt? It certainly wouldn’t be the worst move in the world.