Liverpool are currently in the market for a centre-back to replace Joel Matip, whose contract is set to expire at the end of June.
Liverpool continue to search for a centre-back after Arne Slot took over as the club’s manager. Many players have been linked with a move to Anfield, but according to Fabrizio Romano, club scouts are particularly interested in Lille’s Leny Yoro and Frankfurt’s Willian Pacho for potential summer transfers.
With Joel Matip’s contract expiring in the summer, Liverpool need to find a top-class partner for Virgil van Dijk to replicate their successes under Jurgen Klopp. Leny Yoro, a ‘world-class‘ talent, is a potential candidate, but Liverpool may face competition from other clubs for his signature.
The Reds have been associated with numerous players in the current transfer window, but none of these deals have been finalised yet.
Antonio Silva, a Portuguese player, has been a long-standing target, but his impressive performances in the national team and inclusion in Portugal’s EURO 2024 squad have driven up his value, making a move to Merseyside challenging.
Levi Colwill, a young English player from Chelsea, has also been linked with the Reds despite an injury-plagued season. However, Chelsea have stated that he is not for sale, as reported by GIVEMESPORT on Monday.
It appears that Colwill will remain at Chelsea under new manager Enzo Maresca, who is expected to implement a possession-based style of play.
| Leny Yoro’s Ligue 1 statistics – Lille squad ranking | ||
|---|---|---|
| Stats | Output | Squad rank |
| Appearances | 32 | 4th |
| Aerial Duels Won Per Game | 1.4 | =3rd |
| Clearances Per Game | 3 | 2nd |
| Tackles Per Game | 1.1 | =7th |
| Interceptions Per Game | 1.1 | =4th |
| Match rating | 6.74 | 10th |
| Statistics via WhoScored – Correct as of 04/06/2024 | ||
Pacho and Yoro have also emerged as potential candidates. Pacho has been Frankfurt’s standout player this season, delivering a string of exceptional defensive performances that showcased his commitment, bravery, and composure, helping the team secure a sixth-place finish in the Bundesliga.
Meanwhile, Yoro has been praised by Angel Gomes, his former teammate at Lille, as a player destined for greatness, predicting that he will “reach the summits” in his career.
The question on everyone’s mind is who Slot will ultimately choose? While Liverpool have assets to sell this summer, the success of their recruitment efforts will depend on various factors, including price and availability. Only time will tell who will join the Reds.
Romano: Liverpool “For Sure” Will Sign a New Centre-Back
Romano says Liverpool have scouted both Yoro and Pacho
Speaking exclusively to GIVEMESPORT, Romano said that the Reds had scouted the duo – but they face competition for Yoro from Real Madrid. He said:
“A player they really like but there are many clubs on him is, for example, Leny Yoro. He is on the list of Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool, who have also been scouting him – so let’s see what happens there.
“And then [Willian] Pacho from Eintracht Frankfurt is another player they have been monitoring and scouting. But again, we have to see who is the player they really want to bring in.
“This isn’t decided yet, and so for sure, Liverpool will go in for a new centre-back – but they still have to decide who is the player that they want to bring in.”
How Arne Slot Can Revitalise Liverpool’s Season
Liverpool’s performance declined significantly towards the end of last season, despite their impressive lead in the Premier League at various points. The team’s injuries and loss of form played a major role in their collapse, which had once promised a historic quadruple victory.
After securing the Carabao Cup in February, Liverpool faced a series of disappointing defeats, including a heartbreaking loss to Manchester United in the FA Cup and a comprehensive defeat to eventual winners Atalanta in the Europa League. Their league performance also suffered, resulting in a missed opportunity for the title.
With new signings on board, Liverpool are poised to make a stronger push for the title this season. While consistency may not come easily, the team’s fresh talent could be the key to achieving their goal.
In other Liverpool news, Arne Slot Warned Against Pursuing £47m Double Deal at Liverpool