Liverpool want hugely promising Ligue 1 star Loic Bade
Liverpool want to sign promising Ligue 1 star Loic Bade.
French publication Le10Sport have reported that the Reds are keeping tabs on the RC Lens youngster.
They will face competition from AC Milan, who are also looking to bring in the centre-back, and a battle for his signature could be on the cards.
Liverpool’s problems in the position are well documented. Even without injuries to Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk, Jurgen Klopp seemed to be a little light in that area.
Liverpool at the back – a tragedy
At the beginning of the season, the great fear was that injuries would force Liverpool to rely on the unreliable Joel Matip; which came to pass. As we all knew he would, Matip broke down and left Klopp with a choice between starting Rhys Williams or Nat Phillips in the Premier League or completely remodelling his side by picking Jordan Henderson next to Fabinho in defence.
If the Reds really do want Bade, moving for him in the summer could help fill a number of squad gaps. His age is a big plus, too. At just 20-years-old, he would be afforded the luxury of time and space to develop away from the limelight.
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Crucially, however, he has more experience playing in a top-five European league than either Rhys Williams or Nat Phillips. Williams’ most recent spell of prolonged first-team action was with Kidderminster Harriers in non-league, while Phillips spent time with Stuttgart in the German second division.
Loic Bade is just starting his career
Bade has played 16 Ligue 1 games this season, missing two through suspension and the last because of an ankle injury. He’s just starting his career, it’s true, but it’s clear the young man has some potential.
With van Dijk and Gomez fit, Bade could rival Matip for the third centre-back position – or even fight with Williams for that fourth place.
It’s good that Liverpool are scouting these players, but it’s become more obvious that we need a Matip replacement.