Joel Matip and Virgil van Dijk, center backs who have long supported Jurgen Klopp’s soccer from behind, will turn 33 next year, and for the former, his contract renewal until June 2024 is uncertain, as he is doomed for the season.
Although the next generation of defenders, including Joe Gomez, Ibrahima Konate, and Jarell Quansah, are waiting in the wings, Gomez has become a utility player as well as a two-sided back, Konate has not broken his injury habit, and Quansah is still too inexperienced.
Liverpool was also working to acquire a left-handed center back this summer, and may target a new defender this winter. According to TEAMtalk, they are interested in 18-year-old defender Lenny Yolo, who has emerged at Lille and may be in contention with Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Manchester United.
After making his first-team debut in the 2021/22 season, Yolo made 13 appearances in the Ligue 1 the following season.
This season, he has earned a starting spot and has steadily gained experience, making 16 appearances in the domestic league and three in the Conference League so far.
The center back, who was also selected for the French national U-21 team, is a modern defender with strength, size, and speed.
He is also good with the ball at his feet and blocks the opposition’s attacks. In the future, he has the potential to be a starter in the talented French national team.
The player is unlikely to be a top priority for Liverpool. The priority would be a left-handed center back who is experienced and in his early 20s in terms of age. Ideally, he should be a defender who can compete regularly with the current center backs.
At this point, it is unlikely that Liverpool will make an offer for the French U-21 defender, but is there a future for Liverpool to make an unexpected move…?