RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano is ‘at the top’ of Liverpool’s shortlist, as the January transfer window approaches.
Liverpool have suffered defensive injury problems in 2020/21, at least, with Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez both undergoing surgery on knee injuries. The former is expected to miss the majority, if not all, of the remainder of the season, while the latter is still being evaluated.
Meanwhile, Fabinho has missed the last three games through injury and Trent Alexander-Arnold could potentially be out of action until December.
Fabinho is one of the many centre-back options out of action/Michael Regan/Getty Images
Things have gotten so bad that Thursday brought the surprise of an (unlikely) emergency move for free agent Daryl Janmaat.
Although young stars Rhys Williams – who was playing sixth form football just a year ago – and Nathaniel Phillips impressed when called up, speculation is growing that the Reds will add numbers to their backline in six weeks. can dive into the transfer market to do ‘ The time when the window reopens.
Links to Schalke’s Ozan Kabak have resurfaced since the summer, while Ajax have also been rumored to be interested in 20-year-old Pere Scharers.
However, The Athletic report that Davit Upamecano is at the top of Liverpool’s ‘want list’ and the club are planning to enter the market next summer.
Upamecano tops Liverpool’s wanted list / DeFodi Images/Getty Images
It is unclear whether the move will be accelerated by January. However, 22-year-old Upamecano – often regarded as the most promising defender in Europe – reportedly has a clause in his contract which would allow him to leave in 2021 for €42m (£38.25m).
The likes of Arsenal, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester United have also recently been named for France internationals.
Liverpool have an excellent relationship with the Red Bull Group and have completed deals for Takumi Manamano and Nabi Keita in recent years.
In the case of the former, it is believed that Liverpool’s superior relationship with Red Bull forced them to complete a £7.25 million deal for the player, taking advantage of a release clause that many other The claimants were ignorant.
Apart from number one target Upamecano, The Athletic claim that Kabak, Ben White and Bremer of Torino are all under consideration.
Meanwhile, 90 Minutes understands that David Alaba – who is set to leave Bayern Munich next summer – will consider a move to the Premier League, and the Reds are among those interested.