Liverpool, whose contracts with Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold expire at the end of the season, are in negotiations to sign new contracts.No agreement has been reached at the moment and they have to prepare for the worst case scenario.
Liverpool have a list of European centre-backs and right-backs who have been watching their progress and various defenders’ names have hit the media. And a new player has emerged as a target.
According to Football365, Liverpool have shown strong interest in 25-year-old defender Óscar Mingueza from Celta de Vigo. It also reports that his release clause is set at €20 million.
Despite a smooth sailing career that saw him grow up in Barcelona’s lower divisions, being promoted to the first team in 2020 and making his debut for Spain in June 2021, competition at one of the world’s most powerful clubs was fierce and he moved to his current club in the summer of 2022, when his contract expired.
He has established himself as a mainstay at Celta de Vigo and has started every game this season, with the exception of one game in which he was out with a hamstring injury.
He has most of his experience playing at right-back, but can also be used at left or right wing-back, showing his utility.
He creates chances not only in defence but also through his active participation in attack. At Liverpool, he is more akin to Northern Ireland defender Conor Bradley than England defender Joe Gomez, and has the ability to adapt to Arne Slot’s style of play.
Will Liverpool really give the 25-year-old defender from Spain the white feather…?