Former Cameroon defender Joel Matip, who joined Liverpool on a free transfer from Schalke, left Anfield at the end of last season. With Joe Gomez evolving into a utility player, reinforcements in the centre-back corps are inevitable.
Furthermore, Liverpool are looking at a variety of centre-backs as they look to secure the next generation of defenders after Virgil van Dijk. Bologna defender Riccardo Calafioli and Lille defender Leny Yoro are recent hot targets.
According to The Daily Briefing for CaughtOffside, Liverpool are also interested in Bayer Leverkusen defender Odilon Kossounou, who has won the Bundesliga without defeat and could win the battle.
The Ivory Coast defender is also highly rated by Premier League sides such as Manchester United and Newcastle United, and the Reds have reportedly started negotiations for a fee of €45 million to sign him.
The player moved to Leverkusen from Club Brugge in July 2021 and has played a central role in Xabi Alonso’s team. His departure will be closely watched, as he was increasingly used as a reserve in the second half of last season.
Will the 23-year-old centre-back, who has made 24 appearances for Ivory Coast’s full national team, step up this summer?