In addition to the generational change in the midfielders, Liverpool is looking to strengthen its center backs. While progress has been made in revamping the midfield with the acquisition of three new players, the final line is untouched. They have set their sights on a left-handed center back, but no concrete moves have been made as of yet.
There have been reports of interest in Dutch U-21 defender Mickey van de Ven, who moved to Tottenham Hotspur, and Portuguese defender Gonzalo Inácio, who agreed to a contract extension with Sporting. England U-21 defender Levi Colwill, who was a major contender, has signed a new contract with Chelsea.
One player who has surfaced suddenly is Piero Hincapié, an Ecuadorian defender from Bayer Leverkusen. The left-handed center back has developed into one of the best defenders in the Bundesliga with his technique and aggressiveness typical of the South American player.
According to Sport BILD, coach Xabi Alonso, who took over midway through last season, has no intention of releasing the 21-year-old center back, who is under contract until 2027, and would need a transfer fee of around £60 million to make the deal happen.
Joel Matip is showing signs of age-related decline, while Joe Gomez has not developed as much as expected. Securing a center back to follow Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk is also a high priority, and we would like to bring one of them into the team this summer if possible.
However, it is unlikely that they will pay a huge fee of £60 million, and at this point it seems likely that they will continue to play in the Bundesliga in the new season. He has a lot to learn under the highly regarded coach Xabi Alonso, and at 21 years of age, this is not the time to panic.
The most realistic course of action is to take his time to develop his skills in Germany and then make a move for him in the transfer market next summer.
Can Liverpool add a new center back this summer or in the summer of 2024?