---
title: "Liverpool scouts shocked at aversion to signing centre-back as ‘obvious solution’"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/liverpool-scouts-shocked-at-obvious-solution-avoidance/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Dan Clubbe"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2021-01-27T17:00:00Z"
modified: "2021-01-27T17:00:00Z"
---

# Liverpool scouts shocked at aversion to signing centre-back as ‘obvious solution’

Some members of the [Liverpool](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2021/01/27/liverpool-declan-rice-transfer-rumours-summer-move/) scouting team are believed to consider signing a centre-back this month an ‘obvious solution’, according to a report from [The Athletic](https://theathletic.com/2342866/2021/01/27/how-klopps-liverpool-went-from-invincible-to-vulnerable/).

The report stated that those involved in transfer strategy at the club have already cast their eye [on major summer targets](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-fsg-transfer-summer-targets-19701589), overlooking the current defensive crisis.

After injuries suffered to last season’s first-choice centre defensive pairing [Virgil van Dijk](https://www.goal.com/en/news/van-dijk-injury-how-long-will-liverpool-defender-be-out/vcnj2rj0ryef1phjrh2al2rlj) and [Joe Gomez](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2021/01/22/liverpool-fans-react-to-photo-showing-extent-of-joe-gomezs-knee-injury/), the Reds have lost their [previously unmistakable dominance](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/graeme-souness-predicts-liverpool-dominance-18490695) of matches and their [form has dipped in recent weeks](https://www.skysports.com/liverpool-results).

The defensive injuries have led to both Fabinho and Jordan Henderson slotting into the backline, to the [major detriment](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/15117/11812068/why-fabinho-is-now-the-premier-leagues-best-holding-midfielder) of the previously influential midfield.

Jurgen Klopp has [recently opened up on his desire](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/jan/22/jurgen-klopp-wont-cry-if-liverpool-fail-to-sign-centre-back-in-january) 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](https://www.premierleague.com/tables) in the table and recent performances have been lightyears away from their dominant best.

### READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT

Prior to the opening of the January transfer window, it [seemed almost unthinkable](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11669/12176302/liverpools-centre-back-targets-who-could-reds-buy-in-january)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](https://www.90min.com/posts/jurgen-klopp-centre-back-signing-finances) and not wanting to sign just anyone makes sense – after all, [waiting for the number one target](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/42496637) 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](https://www.aa.com.tr/en/sports/denizlispors-subotic-unilaterally-cancels-contract/2119429) – could perhaps be viewed as negligent as Klopp’s squad struggles through this truncated season.