Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp still plans to sign a new defender this summer amid claims the club have drawn up a list of four potential targets.
The Merseysiders have fallen off their lofty perch during 2022/23 and will likely finish the campaign in the Europa League positions. That represents their lowest league finish over a full season overseen since Klopp’s appointment. And having also crashed out of all three cup competitions early on, this season will be one to forget as far as Liverpool are concerned.
However, plans are already underway to restore Liverpool to a position of power next season. To that end, the Reds are planning up to three new midfield additions. Indeed, the likes of Alexis Mac Allister, Nicolo Barella and Mason Mount are among the names most strongly linked.
And while deals for all three will set Liverpool back a combined significant sum, they will prove the cheaper option that pursuing their previous top target, Jude Bellingham.
Conveniently, you can see how the stats compare for Liverpool’s top midfield targets right here.
But it’s not just midfielders Liverpool want this summer. And according to trusted source, Paul Joyce of The Times, Liverpool are also planning a defensive recruit too.
And he claims attention will turn to the capture of a new centre-half once their midfield business is tied up.
In an ideal world, Klopp would also like to sign new right-back too. To that end, more experienced back-up to Trent Alexander-Arnold is required. The Reds are parting ways with James Milner, who can cover there. Meanwhile, summer 2022 signing Calvin Ramsay will likely be shipped out on loan.
Liverpool eye four stars to succeed Virgil van Dijk
As a result, Klopp is open to the signing of a player who can cover both positions.
That would potentially signal a potential move for Ajax defender Jurrien Timber. Rated at €50m, the Ajax defender plays as a centre-half, though can also fill in at right-back too.
To further those claims, reports earlier this month suggested Klopp was ready to pay ‘crazy money’ to bring the star to Merseyside.
Indeed, there are suggestions Klopp could look to finance any such deal by allowing Joel Matip to leave for the right price. The former Schalke man has been an excellent signing for Liverpool, but with a year left on his deal, could be allowed to move on.
However, it is perhaps a long-term succession plan to Virgil van Dijk that Klopp most has in mind.
The £75m Liverpool paid Southampton for Van Dijk back in January 2018 remains one of the most important signings in their modern history. And there are many who feel the Dutchman is the one of, if not the greatest, signings of Klopp’s Anfield era.
Turning 32 this summer, Van Dijk may only have a couple of seasons left at the very top.
As a result, Klopp seemingly has his eye on four players who can succeed him in defence.
Timber is one of those in the frame, though it’s believed he is not Klopp’s dream signing. That honour falls upon Josko Gvardiol, whom Klopp remains a huge admirer.
Klopp has Gvardiol on top of his transfer wishlist
However, any such deal for the Croatian looks unlikely to go through this summer. The RB Leipzig star has a £95.6m (€110m) exit clause that comes into affect in summer 2024.
And while there is talk that he could leave this summer, the price on his head – even at less than his release fee – is beyond Liverpool’s capabilities. Were the star to still be on the market next summer, however, Liverpool will be major contenders for his signature.
As alternatives, Liverpool are reportedly considering two stars who will cost significantly less.
And the first of those, Per Schuurs, has been on Klopp’s radar for quite some time.
Currently at Torino, the Dutchman is rated at around the £25m mark.
The final name on the list is impressive Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.
He moved to the Eagles in summer 2021 in a bargain £18m deal.
And the 22-year-old has since established himself as one of the best around, winning three England caps in the process.
Any move for Guehi, though, will not come cheap. And reports on Monday claimed it would take an offer of at least £50m for Palace to consider his sale.
Liverpool are not the only ones on his trail either. Indeed, in an article branding him the Premier League’s ‘most wanted defender’, there is also interest in his services from Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester United.
