Liverpool are in desperate need of a new centre back, with the likes of Dejan Lovren and Ragnar Klavan not exactly doing enough to be classed as Champions League quality defenders.
The main centre back linked with the Reds is Southampton’s Virgil Van Dijk. Van Dijk is one of the top centre backs in the Premier League right now and probably in the world, using a hybrid of traditional and modern uses of a centre half, with a great physical presence but also being very good when on the ball.
Van Dijk’s future has been a huge topic of conversation this transfer window, with Liverpool being heavily linked with him and even agreeing personal terms, something which Southampton weren’t pleased with!
The whole situation has been a mess and there is a very real possibility that Van Dijk doesn’t join Liverpool.
If that turns out to be the case, who should they target instead?
Here a few suitable options:
Kalidou Koulibaly (Napoli)
Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly is one of the most sought after defenders on the market.
Like Van Dijk, Koulibaly shows signs of a traditional and modern centre back and would fit really well into Liverpool’s side, partnering up with Joel Matip at the back.
Jonathan Tah (Bayer Leverkusen)
Jonathan Tah of Bayer Leverkusen is a very good centre back who has great potential and he could be a great signing for Liverpool.
The 21-year-old German international is a key part of Bayer Leverkusen’s squad, with his role in the team being highlighted during his injury which then led Leverkusen onto a bad run of form. The German side have been in fire-sale mode this summer so he could be available.
Davinson Sanchez (Ajax)
Davinson Sanchez is a reported target for Barcalona and, surprisingly, Crystal Palace this transfer window.
Ajax rejected a £22m bid for the centre back from Palace and there is no doubt that Liverpool can bid more than that and Sanchez would probably chose Liverpool over Barcalona.
Sanchez shone in Ajax’s Europa League campaign where they reached the final.
Stefan De Vrij (Lazio)
Lazio’s Stefan De Vrij is a very talented ball playing centre back, the Holland international would fit in very well at Liverpool.
De Vrij has already been linked with Liverpool and it has been reported that he will not sign a new contract at the Italian club, which is a massive boost for The Reds.
Emmanuel Mammana (Lyon)
Emmanuel Mammana is a great, young centre back from Lyon and at the age of 21, he’s already shown a great amount of quality for both club and country.
It was reported that Liverpool bid £15m for the Argentinian, alt ought the validity of that report can be questioned.
