Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool are currently the top goal scorers in the Premier League this season but they are languishing in the fourth place in the points table, with little chance of catching up on Chelsea. It is quite clear that the Reds have a problem with their backline this season. Joel Matip and Nathaniel Clyne are expected to keep their place in the first team next season while James Miner might get just another year on the left-flank.
The likes of Ragnar Klavan, Lucas Leiva, and Dejan Lovren have been used alongside Matip at CB this season. Lucas could yet quit the club while Klavan is expected to stay but neither could be the first choice next season. Mamadou Sakho may not have a future at Anfield while Dejan Lovren is being offered a new contract according to reports but he might not be the first choice to partner Matip next season and Klopp will look at options to add to his squad in the summer.
A number of defenders have been recently linked with a move to Anfield and here are three centre-backs that Liverpool might spend on this summer:
Jose Gimenez (Atletico Madrid):
Another option, a slightly expensive one is Uruguay youngster Jose Gimenez who has been out of favour at the Vicente Calderon this season. At just 22, Gimenez is one of the most attractive defenders in Europe at the moment and lack of playing time under Diego Simeone has seen him linked with an exit this summer.
Manchester United are also interested in his signature but Liverpool could be interested in signing him as a partner for Matip at the back. At his age, Gimenez will only get better with time and playing time and Klopp will surely get the best out of him if he is able to lure him to Liverpool.
Virgil van Dijk (Southampton):
Reportedly closing in on a move to Chelsea, Van Dijk is currently one of the most consistent defenders in the Premier League and is wanted by almost every top club in the country. Liverpool reportedly have also opened talks with the player and his representatives and are quietly confident of landing him, thanks to his agent, but financial advances might see them lose out on the Dutch defender.
But with a top quality defender, a must this summer, Liverpool cannot afford to lose out on Van Dijk to their title rivals at the Bridge and should do all it takes to land him this summer.
Michael Keane (Burnley):
The former Manchester United man was linked with a shock move to Anfield earlier this month. He is also linked with a move back to Manchester United and Chelsea but Liverpool could be interested in his signature seriously, come the end of the season.
Standing as one of the most effective defenders in the league this season, Keane is growing as a player and this might be the right time for Liverpool to snatch him up. He made just one appearance in his time at the Old Trafford but is yet dividing opinion among the Liverpool fan base over a move in the summer.
But having played in England and also earned himself a national call-up recently, Keane is a superb option for Liverpool who can come good not too late in the future.
