Liverpool have identified Ezri Konsa as a potential defensive signing for Andoni Iraola as they look to build up depth in the centre-back position.
The 28-year-old Aston Villa defender was crucial for England as they made it to the World Cup semi-final this summer.
The links were initially reported by Caught Offside and shared further by the Daily Briefing. The report also linked a possible move for free agent John Stones.
Liverpool’s defensive woes
Liverpool have had a difficult run in recent years when it comes to defender injuries. This has been compounded by Ibrahima Konate’s decision to leave for Real Madrid after not signing a new contract.
Iraola got his own insight into the injury struggles of Liverpool’s defenders when Joe Gomez went off injured in the first 10 minutes of the first preseason friendly of the year against Sunderland in Nashville.
Right back has been another area where Liverpool have had continual injury stresses. Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones had to cover at right back regularly, and this is another area where Konsa can cover rather effectively.
Looking into the future, we don’t have to look too far as Liverpool fans to see the departure of club captain Virgil van Dijk. Van Dijk has one year left on his contract, and Liverpool will need a partner for the captain this year, but also for Jeremy Jacquet in the long term once Van Dijk retires or leaves the club in the future.
Villa’s financial difficulties and need to restructure
Aston Villa have had a tremendous few years under Unai Emery, and they have booked Champions League football for the upcoming season after finishing fourth in the league and also by winning the Europa League.
Villa have found success by having players on relatively high wages in comparison to their revenue. They have already sold Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans for over €150 million, and a sale for Konsa might help their finances further by getting a high-wage earner off the books.
