Liverpool, which was working on a generational change in its midfielders, was also working to secure a left-handed center back at the same time. The most interested player was England U-21 defender Levi Colwill, who had developed a reputation after a loan spell at Brighton last season, but agreed to a long-term contract with Chelsea, where he had grown up as a child.
Other rumored targets have included Mickey van de Ven (Tottenham) and Gonzalo Inácio (Sporting CP), but no concrete approach was made by Liverpool and no new center backs were added in this summer’s transfer market.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Ecuadorian defender Piero Hincapié has been discussed as one of the targets, but Liverpool may step on the gas for the player during the January transfer window next summer, according to Fichajes.
Joel Matip is likely to leave the club at the end of the season. Virgil van Dijk is also 32 years old and has less and less time to play at the top level, so securing a young center back is inevitable. The 21-year-old center back, who has a proven track record in the Bundesliga and can also operate as a left back, is an ideal candidate.
He has the speed, defense, and passing accuracy required of a modern center back, as well as the technique at his feet, and he has made 27 appearances for the Ecuador national team.
During this summer’s transfer market, several journalists and media reported interest from Liverpool, but no concrete moves were made, so it is highly possible that this is a gossip paper story.
Who will Liverpool reinforce to strengthen their final line?