Jurgen Klopp is spoiled for choice from an offensive perspective, but the defence desperately requires strengthening ahead of the 2023-24 campaign
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp admitted on the eve of Wednesday's friendly with Bayern Munich that "it's no secret that we're still looking for new players to join us" – and the priority right now is wrapping up a deal for Romeo Lavia.
And that's perfectly understandable. Following the shock sales of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho to Saudi Pro League clubs, Liverpool have only one remaining No.6 on their books – 18-year-old Stefan Bajcetic, who has only just returned from the injury that prematurely ended his 2022-23 campaign. The Reds simply cannot go into the new season, which gets underway next week, without at least one more defensive midfielder.
The Lavia deal is also a matter of urgency because Chelsea remain very interested in the Southampton starlet and are being frustrated by Brighton in their attempts to sign Moises Caicedo. It is only right, then, that Liverpool are primarily focused on agreeing a fee for Lavia as soon as possible.
However, the Reds are also facing a race against time to bring in a new centre-back – preferably one that can play on the left-hand side – before their Premier League opener at Chelsea on August 13.
GettyLiverpool can't get burned again at the back
Few clubs are more acutely aware of the need for defensive strength in depth, given the way in which Liverpool's Premier League title defence in 2020-21 was completely undermined by injuries to Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip.
Even with most of their central defenders fully fit last season, Liverpool looked dreadfully vulnerable at the back, conceding 47 goals in the Premier League alone.
Obviously, that poor defensive record was significantly impacted by the struggles of several midfielders, particularly Fabinho, the man regarded as Liverpool's lighthouse because of the way in which he had been dealing with danger for the previous four seasons. So, the acquisition of a highly promising player like Lavia should, in theory, alleviate Liverpool's defensive issues.
Signing another centre-back is just as important, though, and the problem is that several of the players previously under consideration are no longer available.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesSeveral targets no longer on the market
Kim Min-jae, for example, has been snapped up by Bayern Munich, who activated the €50 million (£43m/$55m) buy-out clause in the South Korean's contract after his stellar season at Napoli. Arsenal, meanwhile, moved just as quickly to sign the wonderfully versatile Jurrien Timber from Ajax.
Levi Colwill is still technically obtainable, but the England Under-21 international has agreed a new, long-term contract with Chelsea, who have also thus far resisted all attempts by Brighton to make the Blues academy product a part of a deal for Caicedo. Colwill would have been a dream signing for Liverpool – but there is no longer any chance of it becoming a reality.
In addition, Josko Gvardiol, arguably the best young centre-back in the world and a former transfer target of Liverpool's, is apparently keen to sign for Manchester City. The only issue there is RB Leipzig are refusing to lower their €100 million (£86m/$110m) asking price. It's difficult, therefore, to imagine Liverpool being in a position to hijack that particular deal, much as Klopp would dearly love to add the Croatian to his back-line.
So, what options do Liverpool have left available to them, with less than a month to go before the transfer window closes? GOAL runs through the leading contenders below…
Getty ImagesJarrad Branthwaite (Everton)
Still only 21 years of age but Liverpool scouts spent plenty of time watching January signing from PSV Cody Gakpo during the first half of last season and were very impressed with Branthwaite's performances during his loan spell in Eindhoven.
However, Everton would obviously do everything within their power to prevent Branthwaite, who can also play at left-back, becoming the first player to cross Stanley Park since Abel Xavier just over 20 years ago.
GettyMarc Guehi (Crystal Palace)
Guehi favours his right foot but he has been regularly deployed on the left-hand side of the Crystal Palace defence, making him a viable option for Liverpool. He is, after all, a proven Premier League talent with four England caps to his name who has been previously linked with Arsenal.
However, Crystal Palace are under no pressure to sell a very valuable asset who still has three years remaining on his current contract. It would take a massive bid to even get the Eagles to the negotiating table.