Liverpool

Liverpool

Premier League • England

Liverpool board ‘will be looking’ at neglected area other than midfield, with dominant force catching Klopp attention

Jurgen Klopp overseeing a Liverpool game

Liverpool could be considering replacing Joel Matip with a more reliable option for the future after they were advised that replenishing their defence is as important as doing so for their midfield.

Right now, the main focus for Liverpool in the transfer market is on upgrading their midfield. The likes of Jude Bellingham, Enzo Fernandez and Sofyan Amrabat are all high-profile targets to be linked with a move to Anfield.

Liverpool might not be able to afford all of them, but probably should be looking at multiple signings in the position. After all, they are likely to lose several of their current options next year.

With James Milner, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Arthur Melo potentially on their way out, there could be an evolution in Liverpool’s midfield.

However, it is not the only area they should be looking to replenish, according to one observer.

Pundit Noel Whelan has pointed to their defence as another area that they need to futureproof. Indeed, he highlighted Joel Matip as one player there that won’t be reliable for too much longer.

With that in mind, they may have to look at reinforcements for the long term.

Whelan told Football Insider: “Matip has always done a job when he is fit, but they’ll be thinking about potential injuries as he gets older.

“Fabinho can go in there – but do you really want to do that? I don’t think they’ve got enough cover.

“January is a difficult window, but I’m sure they’ll be keeping tabs on a lot of players.

“This is something that the board will be looking at. The midfield has been spoken about a lot, but centre-back is another area they could do with freshening up and getting some younger players in.

Josko Gvardiol an ideal Liverpool target

“Josko Gvardiol could be someone who has caught the eye for Jurgen Klopp. He’s shown he can handle the pressure of a World Cup.

“I’m sure it won’t be just Man City who are after him.”

Gvardiol generally impressed for Croatia during his time at the World Cup. He backed up the reputation he has been building at club level with RB Leipzig.

The left footer has been linked with Manchester City, as Whelan alluded to. However, Liverpool are also believed to be in contention for his signature.

Indeed, one reporter recently suggested Liverpool’s interest in Gvardiol is greater than any other club’s.

Hence, Whelan may well be right that Gvardiol will be on Klopp’s radar. They will have to invest significantly in order to win the race for one of Europe’s most coveted defenders, though.

Only time will tell if they can manage to do so while also addressing their needs in midfield.

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