Liverpool has been hit by a string of injuries in the final lineup, including Andy Robertson, Kostas Tsimikas, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, as well as the long-term departure of former Cameroon defender Joel Matip, who is likely to leave the club at the end of this season.
Fortunately, the former Charlton defender has played well, and the emergence of youngsters Connor Bradley and Jarell Quansah has helped the team through its most difficult period.
Liverpool had been rumored to be looking to add a new center back to their squad since last summer, a time when they were struggling.
According to Fabrizio Romano, 24-year-old defender Oumar Solet of Red Bull Salzburg was a candidate, but ultimately decided not to make a move and will likely begin the search for a suitable defender in earnest this summer.
“For Liverpool, centre-back is an important position.”
“Oumar Solet from Salzburg was a possibility in January then they decided not to proceed, not to do anything in the January transfer window, to move directly in the summer.”
“Now I think the priority for Liverpool will be to find the right centre-back to put some fresh energy in that position.”
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Left-handed center backs such as Sporting defender Goncalo Inácio and Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapié, both with excellent foot technique, continue to be linked with Liverpool, raising the possibility of a new era of defenders under the new coach.
Liverpool made a quick progress in revamping their midfield last summer with the acquisition of a number of midfielders, but will they be looking to rebuild their center-back corps in this summer’s transfer window…?