Liverpool have strengthened in a number of positions so far during this summer transfer window - but centre-back is currently the exception. Virgil van Dijk is safely secured to a contract until 2027 ...
Liverpool have strengthened in a number of positions so far during this summer transfer window - but centre-back is currently the exception.
Virgil van Dijk is safely secured to a contract until 2027 but there is uncertainty for others in the position. Ibrahima Konate, for example, could be sold if no new contract is agreed.
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Real Madrid are interested and could put in an opportunistic offer before the window closes.
Joe Gomez suffered another injury-affected campaign and the club were willing to sell him last summer. He probably wouldn’t be first choice to step in next to Van Dijk if Konate leaves and the Reds could find themselves requiring a senior centre-back.
There is no Jarell Quansah of course since the England under-21 international moved on to Bayer Leverkusen for around £30m earlier this summer.
Guehi tipped to replace Konate
Marc Guehi has been tipped as the leading candidate to arrive - a player at the peak of his powers who could make an immediate impact.
At 25 he might be a little older than Liverpool’s usual transfer targets but provides an immediate solution to the gap Konate’s departure opens.
That said, Liverpool remain interested in finding the best young centre-back talent and an intriguing link has emerged between the Premier League champions and Charlie Cresswell.
Charlie Cresswell stars for England U21
The 22-year-old was a star of the recent UEFA Euro U21 win alongside Quansah, Tyler Morton and Harvey Elliott.
The former Leeds defender was named to the team of the tournament and alongside Elliott became only the THIRD English players in history to win in back-to-back Euro U21 tournaments following victory in 2023.
Cresswell was sold to Toulouse last summer following a loan spell at Millwall and has established himself as one of the most promising young defenders in the French top flight.
His form across 31 Ligue 1 games - not to mention the Euros success - has put him on the radar of Liverpool and he has been named as a potential target alongside Ajax starlet Jorrel Hato.
Liverpool looking at Charlie Cresswell
That’s according to a new report from transfer expert Ben Jacobs, who claims that Liverpool recruiters believe Cresswell fits the bill for a central defensive arrival.
“Guehi is kind of the exception to the rule,” Jacobs told the Born N’Red YouTube channel.
"So players like Jorrel Hato, and I would add Charlie Cresswell as well — who used to be at Leeds United — they’ve been looked at because they’re in that 18 to 22 profile."
Cresswell wanted to take over from Van Dijk?
Liverpool will eventually need to move on from Van Dijk, who turned 34 this month.
And rather than throw a young player in at the deep end, there is the opportunity for the new arrival to learn from the more senior player in the squad before being eventually groomed for a takeover.
"And Liverpool love a transition where they actually find the player they need before the player that departs goes — as shown also by Mamardashvili and Alisson,” Jacobs explains.
"And as a consequence, if they can buy a bit younger, you take the pressure off." Cresswell is under contract at Toulouse until 2028 and it remains to be seen if Liverpool follow up their interest this summer.
Category: General Sports
