Five Central Defenders Liverpool Could Still Target This Summer

As Liverpool kick off their pre-season preparations, Jurgen Klopp is still expected to make changes to his Reds squad this summer.

Roberto Firmino, James Milner, Naby Keita, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all departed at the end of last season. So far, only Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai have come the other way fuelling speculation that there will be further incomings.

Whilst the focus of Klopp’s re-build after a disappointing campaign will focus on his midfield, reinforcements also appear likely in defence.

For the final 10 games of last season, the formation was tweaked to get Trent Alexander-Arnold moving forward into midfield, meaning the demands on the other defenders in the German’s system changed.

Joel Matip and Joe Gomez both had inconsistent seasons and have been linked with moves away whilst Kostas Tsimikas does not seem an obvious fit for the new, more reserved left-sided role.

Klopp may decide therefore that a left-footed central defender would improve his current defensive options and provide competition for Andy Robertson.

What Players Could Liverpool Target?

Josko Gvardiol was linked with a move to Anfield several months back but he looks destined for a big-money move to the Premier League champions, Manchester City.

Wolfsburg’s Micky Van de Ven was another who was rumoured to be of interest but it seems that he may end up at Spurs.

That leaves the Reds looking at alternative options and The Transfer Room have taken a look at five players that could be targeted before the transfer window closes.

Goncalo Inacio – Sporting Lisbon
Levi Colwill – Chelsea
Perr Schuurs – Torino
Jarrad Branthwaite – Everton
Marc Guehi – Crystal Palace

The Transfer Room Verdict

Colwill appears to be the number one target but seems a complex deal to pull off. Chelsea are not likely to want to sell to a rival and will expect a hugely significant fee to even consider it.

Sporting’s Inacio would be the choice for many if a deal for the England under-21 cannot be done and the Portuguese may represent a cheaper option than Crystal Palace defender Guehi.

Whilst Schuurs impressed for Ajax at Anfield in the UEFA Champions League before his move to Torino, a left-footed central defender must be the priority which could rule him out.

Others who could also prove to be interesting options include David Hancko (Feyenoord), Piero Hincapie (Bayer Leverkusen), and Facundo Medina (Lens).

It promises to be a fascinating few weeks as Klopp prepares his team for the new campaign whilst trying to re-shape his squad to get them back in the hunt for trophies next season.

Read More Liverpool Coverage:

Five Central Defenders Liverpool Could Still Target This Summer

ByNeil Andrew

What Players Could Liverpool Target?

The Transfer Room Verdict