Liverpool’s start to the 2024 summer transfer window at Anfield has not been as prolific as anticipated by their supporters. However, this is not a cause for concern. Arne Slot has maintained daily communication with sporting director Richard Hughes to strategize for the upcoming months focused on transfers, indicating that a decisive move is imminent.
One of Liverpool’s key pursuits this summer has been the highly sought-after Lille defender Leny Yoro, hailed as a ‘generational talent’. Yoro is also a target for Manchester United and Real Madrid, with the latter expected to secure the 18-year-old’s signature.
Yoro’s contract expires in a year, and it seems unlikely he will sign a new deal with his current Ligue 1 club. While Liverpool are ready to capitalize if Real Madrid’s efforts falter, it’s seen as a “unique market opportunity” that doesn’t align with FSG’s long-term strategy.
Why is this so? Virgil van Dijk, widely regarded as one of the world’s best defenders and a charismatic leader, enters the final year of his £220k-per-week contract and will turn 33 in less than a week.
Ibrahima Konate is formidable yet occasionally inconsistent and injury-prone. Meanwhile, Jarell Quansah has had a remarkable breakout season, earning praise as “an absolute monster” from scout Jacek Kulig. However, just 14 months ago, Quansah was playing in League One, making it unrealistic to expect him to shoulder immense responsibility.
Joel Matip, a long-time servant, departed last month after his contract expired. Fans are justified in questioning Liverpool’s apparent stance that strengthening the defense is not a top priority, asserting that the current roster is adequate.
Is there another talented star in Liverpool’s defence who will get a chance to feature?
Sepp van den Berg excelled on loan with Mainz last season, achieving the highest speed (34.78kph) among all defenders in the German Bundesliga.
Interest in the 23-year-old has been substantial in recent months, with Liverpool placing a £20m price tag on him. Feeling frustrated by his lack of opportunities at Liverpool, he aims to explore new opportunities elsewhere. Since his 2019 move from Zwolle for an initial £1.3m fee, he has made just four senior appearances.
Slot will assess the Dutchman in the coming weeks before making a decision, barring an unexpected bid meeting the aforementioned price. He could make a strong impression as a new era dawns.
According to FBref, he ranks among the top 16% of central defenders in Europe’s top five leagues for goals scored, the top 2% for blocks, and the top 1% for aerial duels won per 90 minutes.
However, it’s unlikely that the 6-foot-3 star will regularly displace Konate. The chances are also slim that Van Dijk would be overshadowed by Van den Berg or Quansah, who has proven to be one of the Premier League’s most promising young talents.
| Sepp van den Berg vs Jarell Quansah | ||
|---|---|---|
| Stats | Van den Berg | Quansah |
| Matches played | 33 | 17 |
| Matches started | 31 | 13 |
| Goals | 3 | 2 |
| Clean sheets | 8 | 2 |
| Pass completion | 81% | 89% |
| Tackles per game | 1.2 | 1.5 |
| Clearances per game | 4.7 | 2.3 |
| Recoveries per game | 5.3 | 4.2 |
| Duels won per game | 7.0 (65%) | 4.5 (64%) |
| Stats Source: Sofascore | ||
Shouldn’t Liverpool consider taking the £20m offer? While Van den Berg is in good form, possibly outshining Quansah, the Mainz loanee, two years older than his Liverpool counterpart, seems unlikely to displace him. Quansah started six of Klopp’s final eight Premier League games last season.
Standing at 6 foot 5, Quansah ranks in the top 3% among his positional peers across Europe’s top leagues for goals and passes attempted, top 19% for pass completion, top 17% for progressive passes, top 15% for successful take-ons, top 19% for tackles, and top 11% for aerial duels won per 90 minutes. This might be the best measure of Quansah’s potential.
Newcastle are reportedly interested, possibly including him in a deal for Anthony Gordon, aiming to comply with Premier League squad rules. However, Liverpool swiftly rejected the proposal, much like Matip’s rapid surges up the field.
PSV Eindhoven have also shown interest. If Liverpool sign another centre-half this summer, Van den Berg’s opportunities could diminish. It seems a good time to profit from a defender signed for a nominal fee; indeed, the £20m offer represents a remarkable 1438% increase in market value since his signing five years ago.
Slot might be keeping his options open, but considering the profit involved and his anticipated role in Liverpool’s first team next season, it’s probably time to allow him to move on to another club.
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