Liverpool may be in the market for a new central defender to partner Virgil van Dijk in the heart of the defence.
The Reds splashed a world-record £75m to bring the Dutchman to Anfield in January after a year-long pursuit. Van Dijk instantly improved the Liverpool defence, bringing much-needed leadership skills and a huge aerial presence which they lacked before. His excellent performances quickly made him a fan favourite on Merseyside.
Debate rages on as to who should partner him in defence. Dejan Lovren was first choice last season but remains a liability at times throughout the season. The Croatian is far too inconsistent, too many world-class performances are overshadowed by calamitous showings in times of need. Joel Matip and Ragnar Klavan remain as suitable backup options, not deemed good enough for the first-team.
If Jurgen Klopp is in the market for a new defender, he needs to avoid signing Domagoj Vida from Besiktas. Valued at £6.3 by Transfermarkt, the Croatian has been linked with a switch to England with Liverpool, Everton and Southampton reportedly interested.
The 29-year-old has been excellent during Croatia’s road to the World Cup final but is not good enough to partner van Dijk. Vida certainly wouldn’t improve the side, providing a massive downgrade even on Dejan Lovren. Should Klopp sign a centre-back, he needs to target a world-class player that would push Lovren out of the starting eleven.
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Liverpool fans, thoughts?