Klopp zones in on €30m-rated Barca star as ideal backup in key position

Liverpool have identified Barcelona full-back Nelson Semedo as ideal backup for Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson, according to reports in Spain.

Alexander-Arnold and Robertson have been unmissable parts of Jurgen Klopp‘s team in defence, but more so as a creative force going forward, the pair providing 35 assists in total since the start of last season.

However, Klopp is without a solid second-choice for either of the two. Joe Gomez can fill in at right-back, as can youngster Ki-Jana Hoever, but James Milner has been seen as Robertson’s current deputy following the departure of Alberto Moreno in the summer.

According to Spanish outlet Don Balon, Klopp is aware he needs to bolster his options and is keen on Semedo, who has assisted two goals in 11 appearances so far this term and can play on either flank.

The source says that while Portugal international Semedo has made a strong start to the campaign, he does not feel entirely comfortable at Barca and head coach Ernesto Valverde is not fully convinced about his ability.

Don Balon continues by saying that if Liverpool do choose to pursue a deal for Semedo, he would cost the Reds around €30m.

Semedo moved to Catalonia from Benfica in the summer of 2017 and has made 93 appearances for the club, scoring once and laying on seven other goals.

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