The majority of the summer transfer rumors surrounding Liverpool Football Club have centered around the comings and goings in the midfield. While that area of the park needed an uplift, it seems the defense has been a bit forgotten. A new defender is needed.
I wanted to put a list together of some defenders that I think should warrant a closer look from the club to see if there would be any chance of getting them in.
As it stands, the defense does still need depth. They are one big injury away from catastrophe and we see how that worked before, Jordan Henderson at center-back? OOF.
Without further ado these are the guys I want to help the defense now and in the future.
ANTONIO SILVA, 19 (BENFICA) – The Portuguese teenager is currently valued at €45 million. He would bring size and strength to a defensive group at Anfield that could use more of that.
He made 46 appearances for Benfica this past season including 10 in the Champions League. An experienced player at that level and with his age profile would be perfect to bring in as a rotational piece behind Ibrahima Konate and VVD.
GONCALO INACIO, 21 (SPORTING CP) – We stay in Portugal to look at another talented CB. Inacio is valued at €30 million which is more than reasonable for a player of his age and ability profile. He is also left-footed which is crucial as he could eventually succeed Virgil in a few years.
Inacio has a calm presence on the ball as he can distribute with the best of them out of the back. This would be an astute signing in my estimation.
NATHAN COLLINS, 22 (BRENTFORD) – Staying in the Premier League for this one as the Irishman currently sits with a market value of €22 million. For a strong center-half with Premier League experience I think that is a very comfortable starting point for the fee.
He also has the ability to plug in at the Right-back spot as needed. He has shown strong leadership skills during his short time in England as well. His size and comfort level already being in England could make him a prime target for the Reds.
FIKAYO TOMORI, 25 (AC MILAN) – This one might be a little more far-fetched, but the forgotten man in the England setup has been terrific in Milan. Sitting with a market value at €40 million, it will probably take more than that to get the Rossoneri to the table.
If Liverpool could secure his signature, they would be getting a defender that blends pace and power and is entering the prime of his career. His 9 yellow cards and 1 red indicate he plays with an edge to him that players like Matip and Gomez do not have.
A rotating trio of VVD-Konate-Tomori in the heart of defense would be tremendous.
These are just a handful of the plethora of terrific defenders across Europe that could come in and help right away. The defense cannot be forgotten, as it needs a mini-revamp of its own.
Let’s see what due diligence the Liverpool scouting team does. If they look at one of the above four defenders, things could look very rosy indeed.