Thursday, January 25 2024 – 17:32 WIB
Liverpool – Liverpool have put the purchase of a new center back on their shopping list. According to the Mirror, Liverpool were looking for a replacement for Joel Matip, even before he suffered a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament injury in early December as his contract expired in the summer.
Matip will be 33 in August, and although Jurgen Klopp has indicated the possibility of extending his contract for next season, it is aimed at allowing him to continue contributing on the pitch.
Liverpool defender, Joel Matip
Meanwhile, even though Liverpool’s defensive performance remains high, the Reds feel the need to have additional options in the center back position.
Liverpool wanted to do business last summer, when they completely overhauled their midfield, but the right players, at the right prices, were not available.
The appearance of Joe Gomez, who has been a breakthrough for Liverpool, playing at centre-back, right-back and left-back, as well as Jarell Quansah has removed the urgency of this search. They have provided impressive reserves and reduced Liverpool’s need to rush into the market.
Despite losing the hugely experienced Matip, Liverpool still have the best defense in the Premier League, an obvious statistic for any title-winning team. They only conceded 18 goals in 21 matches, ahead of Arsenal with 20 goals and Manchester City with 23 goals.
Bek Crystal Palace, Marc Guehi
Liverpool’s preferred player is Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi and the 23-year-old is developing well at Selhurst Park. He is a proven Premier League player and an England international under Gareth Southgate.
The deal will have to wait until the summer and it is unlikely that Palace will part with him now with their Premier League status under threat unless they accept a ridiculous money offer.
Another issue that may arise again in the summer is the future of Mohamed Salah and another offer from Saudi Arabia. Salah has entered the final 18 months of his Liverpool contract and the Reds want him to agree new terms to avoid losing him on a free in July 2025.
They will have to sell him this summer when he is 32 to get anything for him. Currently, Liverpool feel that the balance of their squad means the older players are guiding the younger players.
This reduces Liverpool’s need to enter the market and Juergen Klopp’s number two, Pep Lijnders, says older players, such as Salah and van Dijk, are helping the development of Quansah and Conor Bradley.
“I always believed in that because senior professional players act differently when they are around young players, Milner, Mo Salah, they act differently when there are young players,” he said.
“If you have 25 and 26 year olds in your squad, fighting for the same places, I would say that is not a healthy squad. But if you have senior players, they are almost like coaches for young players. “I believe one of our strengths is winning together, everyone feels involved,” he continued.
