Two Out? One In? Liverpool’s Potential Defensive Reinforcements Rated | OneFootball

Written by Priya Kaur

In breaking news reported by James Pearce, Joe Gomez’s future at Liverpool is now uncertain, as the defender was notably absent from the squad for the opening game of the season, vs Ipswich Town.

With less than two weeks remaining in the summer transfer window, Gomez is exploring several options, signalling a potential departure from Anfield.

Newcastle United reportedly view Gomez as a viable alternative to Marc Guehi, with Liverpool open to sale as the transfer deadline approaches.

It is important to note that his potential move to Newcastle United fell through after negotiations stalled, earlier on in the window, despite the deal being valued at £45 million.

As part of the proposed transfer, Liverpool would have received Anthony Gordon from Newcastle, in a separate transaction valued at £75 million.

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Sepp van den Berg’s future at Liverpool also seems to be undergoing speculation, with the player close to leaving the club on a permanent move.

Bayer Leverkusen and now Brentford are expressing strong interest in signing the young defender.

Having spent last season on loan at Mainz, Van den Berg is a potential target for Leverkusen, particularly if Odilon Kossounou departs the club this summer.

However, Brentford are strongly considering the 22-year-old alongside the likes of O’Shea/Ahmedhodzic as reported by David Ornstein.

According to Kicker, Liverpool are holding out for a transfer fee of £20 million for the player, reflecting their valuation of the promising talent.

As negotiations progress, his potential move could be a key development in both club’s transfer strategies.

Liverpool, who are actively monitoring both situations, are considering signing a new centre-back to strengthen their defence.

We’ve taken a look at some of the defenders the Reds could target to replace either one or both of the potential departures.

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Marc Guehi

The Crystal Palace and England defender, as previously mentioned, has emerged as a top target for Newcastle United in the ongoing transfer window.

At just 24 years old, Guehi has gathered interest from multiple clubs, including Liverpool, who are closely monitoring his situation.

Guehi is widely regarded as one of the most promising midfielders in English football, and a move to a club competing in European competitions seems inevitable in the near future.

Guehi’s impressive performances have solidified his reputation as a reliable and versatile centre-back, capable of making crucial interceptions and commanding the back line.

Described previously as “calm and composed” following a string of top displays at the Euros in the summer, his ability to perform under pressure makes him an asset.

A potential move for the defender is expected to command a transfer fee in the region of £75 million, reflecting his market value and competition for his signature.

However, there are some potential drawbacks to consider with this transfer. This fee may be seen as a risk for Liverpool, given his limited experience at the highest levels of European competition.

While he has excelled in the Premier League, the former Chelsea youngster is yet to be tested consistently in the Champions League. Nevertheless, Guehi would be a pricey but worthwhile signing.

Transfer Rating: 8/10

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Goncalo Inacio

The highly-rated Sporting centre-back has become a prominent target, as of late. At just 22 years old, Inacio has already established himself as a key figure in Sporting’s defence due to his ability to play out from the back and composure under pressure.

Inacio is known for his excellent ball-playing abilities, often initiating attacks from deep with accurate long passes and quick distribution.

His versatility is that which is similar to Gomez’s; being able to play as a right-back and centre-back, sometimes even as a left-back.

Defensively, he is strong in one-on-one situations and reads the game well, allowing him to make crucial interceptions and clearances.

The Portuguese international has a release clause of around €60 million and on the transfer, Sporting manager, Ruben Amorim, has stated that “anything is possible” as he has noted that the club’s players are “very attractive for the market.”

While his technical abilities are impressive, Inacio may need time to adapt to the Premier League, which is more physically demanding.

Transfer Rating: 7/10

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Alessandro Bastoni

The 24-year-old is a solid and highly regarded centre-back from Inter Milan who is renowned for calmness under pressure and his ability to initiate attacks from the back, with pinpoint passes.

Being 6’3, he offers a commanding presence in the air and is strong in duels, making him a reliable figure in central defence.

Bastoni’s left-footed ability adds a rare, valuable dimension to his game, allowing greater versatility in different formations.

The player’s blend of tactical awareness and physicality makes him a highly attractive option for Liverpool because of their ambitions of competing ruthlessly in four competitions this season.

A move for Bastoni will likely cost €70 million due to his elite status, although, given the financial situation of Liverpool FC, this high cost could complicate the deal.

Moreover, his occasional vulnerability to injury may be a concern for the Reds, as they seek reliability in a strong back line.

Transfer Rating: 9/10

Ousmane Diomande

The promising, young centre-back from Sporting has already shown tremendous potential, establishing himself as a rising star in the Portuguese league.

Diomande is known for his physicality and athleticism, which allow him to excel in aerial duels and one-on-one situations.

Despite only being 20 years of age, he is valued at €40 million, highlighting the high expectations surrounding his future.

Already an eight-cap Ivory Coast international with clear potential, Diomande is still relatively inexperienced at the top level, having only recently broken into senior football.

Given the high pressures of the Premier League, the player will require time to develop consistency and refine his decision-making.

Transfer Rating: 6.5/10

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Levi Colwill

Last summer there were widespread reports that Liverpool were interested in the defender after his impressive loan spell at Brighton.

At just 21 years old, Colwill is known for his exceptional composure on the ball, which allows him to contribute effectively to build-up play from the back and his ability to make precise passes under pressure makes him an ideal fit for possession-based football.

Defensively, Colwill is strong in duels, both on the ground and in the air, thanks to his physical presence and good understanding of the game.

He shows maturity beyond his years and, as a result, is valued at €50 million.

But, although Chelsea may be undergoing somewhat of a firesale in the final days of the window, the London club are reportedly keen to keep the future star, so any deal could prove challenging and expensive, involving a bidding war that might inflate his transfer fee beyond what some clubs are willing to pay.

Transfer Rating: 8/10

Piero Hincapie

The promising Ecuadorian centre-back, currently playing for Bayer Leverkusen, has recently emerged as a top target for Liverpool.

A report in Spain claims the 22-year-old is a “top signing Liverpool want to steal” from La Liga giants Atletico Madrid.

Hincapie is known for his speed, agility, and aggressive style of defending; these attributes allow him to cover large spaces and helped him establish his name in the Bundesliga.

Comfortable on the ball, which is important in modern football, capable of playing out from the back and contributing to the team’s build-up of play.

Hincapie’s versatility allows him to play both as a centre-back and left-back, making him a modern, adaptable defender.

A move for the 37-cap star will likely cost in the region of €45 million, however, with Xabi Alonso’s Bayer chasing Van Den Berg alongside Brentford, there could well be a deal to be done here for the Ecuadorian.

Despite his impressive performances, Hincapie’s aggressive style of play could sometimes lead to disciplinary issues, which could be a concern for consistency in the defensive lineup.

Transfer Rating: 7.5/10

Odilon Kossounou

As mentioned earlier on, Kossounou could leave Leverkusen and is linked with a move to Liverpool.

As he is 6’3, Olilon has a strong physical presence and ability to play both as a centre-back and defensive midfielder, showing comfortability when dealing with physical attackers.

As seen at Leverkusen, he is brilliant in a high-pressing system and extremely effective in one-on-one situations.

However, adaptability to the Premier League remains in question as there are elements of his game, such as distribution under pressure, that may require further development.

The Ivorian’s market value is around €30 million and offers just north of that figure could well be enough to land the 24-cap Ivory Coast international.

Transfer Rating: 8/10

Mohamed Simakan

The 24-year-old French youth international combines strength and athleticism to his game which enables him to make interceptions.

Heavily linked with a move this summer, Simakan is also comfortable with the ball at his feet and this allows him to carry the ball out of defence and contribute to build-up play.

However, being such a dynamic defender could mean that Leipzig demands a high transfer fee, despite only being valued at €35 million.

Meanwhile, Football Analyst Ben Mattinson stated that “Liverpool believe Simakan is a very athletic defender” so he could be one to watch as we approach the final week of the window. Transfer Rating: 8/10

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Jorrel Hato

Hato is an 18-year-old Dutch defender currently playing for Ajax, making a significant impact, despite his youth.

Best known for his composure on the ball, intelligence in reading the game and maturity. He has demonstrated an impressive ability to remain calm under pressure and ability to adapt to different defensive roles.

Hato is also strong in the air and shows good anticipation in intercepting passes and making timely tackles. Unfortunately, there are significant considerations to take into account with this transfer. The relative inexperience could be a concern for Slot’s side, where the pressure to perform is immense.

Transitioning from the Eredivisie to the Premier League is a substantial threat, and the player will likely need time to adapt to the speed and physicality of the English game.

Furthermore, albeit having enjoyed a meteoric rise through the renowned ranks at Ajax, with just 66 first-team appearances as a sample size, Hato has not yet established himself in a single role, which could lead to challenges in his development if he isn’t given regular playing time.

The Reds may also need to be cautious about overexposing such a young player too early, as this could impact his confidence and growth.

Transfer Rating: 6.5/10

Castello Lukeba

At 21 and as a left-footed centre-back, Lukeba certainly ticks some of the initial criteria for The Reds’ defensive search.

Albeit capable of operating as a left-back, therefore fulfilling the hybrid full-back/centre-back role sought after by many, the Lyon-born ace has only made two senior appearances as a left-back with 118 outings as an out-and-out central defender.

Plying his trade at RB Leipzig, a happy shopping ground for Liverpool in recent times, the French youth international made the switch from Lyon last summer, suggesting another move could come too soon into the defender’s Bundesliga spell.

But, with 41 appearances last season, an impressive high ceiling and a market value of an affordable €40million, Lukeba – who was described as a ‘real talent’ by former Lyon head coach Peter Bosz – could be a genuine option for Richard Hughes and Arne Slot in the final days of the window.

Transfer Rating: 8/10

Redmen Reacts

At the time of writing both Gomez and Van Den Berg remain Liverpool players, but should that change it seems almost certain that reinforcements will be required in Slot’s squad if The Reds are going to compete on all fronts this season.

The new era was expected to bring in quality of quantity when it came to additions this summer, however, at present there are yet to be any new arrivals having pursued Marin Zubimendi in vein and perhaps more worryingly, there have been no new deals for key trio Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk or Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Clearly as outlined the options are out there and plentiful, this could well be quite some August ‘crescendo’…