Some members of the Liverpool scouting team are believed to consider signing a centre-back this month an ‘obvious solution’, according to a report from The Athletic.
The report stated that those involved in transfer strategy at the club have already cast their eye on major summer targets, overlooking the current defensive crisis.
After injuries suffered to last season’s first-choice centre defensive pairing Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, the Reds have lost their previously unmistakable dominance of matches and their form has dipped in recent weeks.
The defensive injuries have led to both Fabinho and Jordan Henderson slotting into the backline, to the major detriment of the previously influential midfield.
Jurgen Klopp has recently opened up on his desire to sign a centre-back this month, stating it would ‘help 100 per cent’.
The reigning Premier League champions are currently seven points behind Manchester City in the table and recent performances have been lightyears away from their dominant best.
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Prior to the opening of the January transfer window, it seemed almost unthinkable that Liverpool would go through this month without signing a defender. However, with just days remaining before the deadline, it looks increasingly likely that there won’t be a senior signing of any description.
The rationale given in terms of financial constraints and not wanting to sign just anyone makes sense – after all, waiting for the number one target has worked well in the past, à la van Dijk.
However, to not sign anyone – whether it be a loan signing or perhaps the likes of ex-Borussia Dortmund defender Neven Subotic, who has recently become a free agent – could perhaps be viewed as negligent as Klopp’s squad struggles through this truncated season.
