Jamie Carragher, a legendary member of Liverpool, has reportedly advised the club to sell a player for under £10m while also explaining to Jurgen Klopp why a defender who has been strongly connected to Manchester City would be a perfect match at Anfield.
Liverpool’s difficult season came to a close with back-to-back draws against Aston Villa and Southampton, placing them sixth in the Premier League. Given their inconsistent play and injury issues this season, the Reds’ mere qualification for the Europa League for the following campaign is an accomplishment.
Klopp is most eager to strengthen central defense and central midfield during the summer transfer window. Klopp needs at least two new midfielders since Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita, and James Milner are all departing on free transfers.
Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund is the player he would most like to sign, but Liverpool’s management has determined that the 19-year-old will be too pricey. Instead, he is closing near on a signing with Real Madrid.
Liverpool are reportedly making significant strides in their pursuit of Brighton playmaker Alexis Mac Allister, according to transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano. Manu Kone of Borussia Monchengladbach is another player they are interested in.
Liverpool will focus on acquiring a new center-half once their midfield has been resolved. Joel Matip and Virgil van Dijk are both now 31 years old, so the Reds may use the addition of a premier young center defender to pair with Ibrahima Konate in the future.
They have been linked to a number of defenders, including Josko Gvardiol of RB Leipzig, Perr Schuurs of Torino, and Goncalo Inacio of Sporting Lisbon.
Carragher talked about the Liverpool backline and the kinds of changes the team should make in an interview with Redmen TV.
Jury judgement from Jamie Carragher on Klopp’s transfers
Even if a lowball offer is received, he has instructed Fenway Sports Group, the owners of Liverpool, to consider selling Matip. “When I consider the defense, I believe Joel Matip still has one year left on his contract.” Whatever the cost, if you have £10m, it’s probably time to move on, according to Carragher.
Matip has 187 appearances since arriving at Anfield in July 2016 and has shown to be a dependable defender for Klopp. However, as a result of Konate’s outstanding performances while wearing a Liverpool jersey, Matip has slipped down the pecking order and is now in danger of being traded, with Carragher endorsing such a move.
The analyst also discussed the kind of center-back Liverpool needs to sign up for next. His description is eerily similar to Gvardiol, Pep Guardiola’s top target at City.
“I do believe we need a left-sided defender, a center-back with a left foot. We don’t have them, but many teams do,” Carragher continued.
“A player on the left side would add something. If we are going to keep using this system, [it should be] purchasing a centre-back who can play the full-back position rather than a left-back because I don’t think we will. A left-sided center-back who is capable of playing left-back would be ideal, in my opinion.
Gvardiol is a fantastic addition for Liverpool. Despite being only 21 years old, he is already establishing himself as one of the best defenders in the world. He has also played in the Champions League and won two DFB-Pokals with Leipzig, giving him experience in big-game situations.
Gvardiol won’t be inexpensive, though, like Bellingham. The amount of money Liverpool has to spend on its two midfield purchases will therefore determine if they can afford him.
