Joel Matip, a 32-year-old defender whose contract expires at the end of the season. Another 32-year-old defender, Virgil Van Dijk, whose contract is up at the end of the season. Liverpool is interested in the next generation of center backs.
While the club was keen on left-handed center backs such as Chelsea defender Levi Colwill during last summer’s transfer window, they have also been scouting a number of right-handed center backs. And a defender who has been performing well in the Premier League has emerged as a target.
According to The Daily Mail, Liverpool are tracking the movements of Tosin Adarabioyo, a 26-year-old defender from Fulham. The trigger was the good performances he showed in both legs of the Carabao Cup semi-finals. Throughout these matches, he left a strong impression on the coaches.
The former England U19 defender, who joined Fulham from Manchester City in 2020, has made his mark at Craven Cottage, making over 100 appearances. He has been a mainstay on the final line this season, playing 90 minutes in almost every game except for a period when he was out of condition due to injury.
Despite his height (196 cm), he is highly athletic. He has the speed required of a modern center back and the ability to build up from the back, and his composure against Liverpool’s strong attackers contributed to a tight game.
The Manchester City-born defender will see his contract expire this summer. He will be a free transfer and can be acquired without any transfer fee, making him a wallet-friendly reinforcement. Matip is also increasingly likely to leave on a free transfer, so a replacement would be appropriate.
Tottenham Hotspur is also reportedly in love with the player’s ability, but will the 26-year-old center back, who is under contract until June 2024, make the step up this summer…?