Liverpool are seeking to add another center-back before the end of the transfer window, as Andy Robertson’s long-term skills in a hybrid role remain in doubt.
So far this summer, the Reds have made two signings: Alexis MacAllister from Brighton for £35 million and Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig for £60 million. After losing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita, Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Arthur, and James Milner, Jurgen Klopp is looking for another midfielder.
Southampton’s Romeo Lavia is being mentioned after Liverpool’s £41 million bid for the 19-year-old was rejected earlier this week. Andre from Fluminense has also been linked with a move to Anfield as Klopp looks to bolster his squad ahead of the Premier League opening against Chelsea.
Despite his aim of signing at least one new midfielder, Klopp is thought to be interested in signing another defender before the transfer market closes on September 1. According to the Liverpool Echo, a left-sided centre-back remains on Liverpool’s transfer wishlist, with Robertson being a question mark.
After Klopp opted to adapt to this new formation at the end of last season, there is some doubt regarding Robertson’s ability to play in the defensive-hybrid position long term. Robertson has being used a little deeper in preseason, allowing Trent Alexander-Arnold to wander forward towards midfield.
Levi Colwill had been linked with a move to the Reds after impressing on loan at Brighton last season, but he has now signed a six-year agreement with Chelsea. Kim min-Jae was also a target for the Reds, although he has since joined Bayern Munich.
Liverpool’s quest for a center-back may be accelerated after Klopp’s team was defeated 4-3 by Bayern Munich in their final pre-season friendly on Wednesday.
The Reds seemed like they were going to finish their pre-season tour of Singapore on a high note, taking a 2-0 lead. Cody Gakpo and Virgil van Dijk goals had placed them in command against the German champions.
They lost their lead before the break, though, when Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sane both scored. Liverpool took the lead thanks to a magnificent effort from Luis Diaz, but late goals from Josip Stanisic and Frans Kratzig saw them suffer their first pre-season setback.
“Around the goals obviously not that great,” Klopp said after the game, “but there were a lot of other moments that were really, really good as well.” The final line was excellent. We still need to adjust. It’s not so much about the males and whatnot, [but] it is in these moments, of course.
“Trent and Joel need to react better to the first goal we concede.” To be honest, I don’t think it’s [possible] to prevent this pass. We can’t always be there to block every ball, and occasionally balls will fly near our last line. It was just a little hesitation in between, but both stood on both feet – I’m not sure when it was, 30 minutes when they scored the first goal? – and we felt the intensity properly then, as humans do.”
