Liverpool are set to pursue a left-sided centre-back in the forthcoming summer transfer window, according to Football Insider.
The Reds aim to enhance their defensive lineup as Arne Slot gears up for his debut season at Anfield.
Slot, along with director of football Richard Hughes, began their roles on Merseyside over the weekend and are now strategising for the summer transfer window, set to open on June 14.
Centre-back Joel Matip, who was sidelined for a significant portion of the 2023-24 season due to a severe knee injury, will be leaving Anfield when his contract expires later this month.
Liverpool’s current first-team defensive options include captain Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Jarrell Quansah, and Joe Gomez, with Gomez having predominantly played as a full-back in recent seasons under Jurgen Klopp.
Liverpool Want New Centre-back Signing as Matip Departs
The Merseyside club recognise the necessity of initiating a defensive rebuild as they gear up for their return to the Champions League next season.
During the 2023-24 season, Van Dijk operated on the left side of Liverpool’s defence. With the Reds’ captain approaching his 33rd birthday next month, the club is looking to secure the future of that position.
Although Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams are still part of the Anfield squad, their prospects remain uncertain following underwhelming loan periods at Cardiff and Port Vale, respectively.
Liverpool concluded the 2023-24 season in third place, with Klopp ending his tenure on a high note by securing a League Cup victory.
Starting in September, they will compete in the Champions League league phase under Slot, who has previously led Feyenoord in the same competition.
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