Liverpool set to miss out on Inter Milan wonderkid Zinho Vanheusden this month. According to recent reports in the English media, the Reds has conceded defeat in the race to sign the Serie A starlet with Standard Liege set to win the battle for his signature. The 18-year-old has been touted to have a big future in football with the Merseysiders interested to snap him up on a permanent deal this month. However, the Italian side has opted to loan him out to Belgian side, Standard Liege so he can gain some experience in his home country.
The youngster plays as a centre-back and has been sidelined due to a cruciate ligament injury which will keep him out of action for a few months. Vanheusden is eager to make a comeback before the end of the current campaign so Inter Milan has decided to loan him out to Liege for the next six months to help him with his rehabilitation. With Jurgen Klopp’s side set to miss out on the Belgian teenage sensation, let’s take a look at three potential alternatives for the five-time European champions to consider.
Wout Faes
The RSC Anderlecht youngster is currently out on loan at Excelsior Rotterdam. He has immense potential and has featured in 14 matches in the Dutch Eredivisie this season across all competitions. A potential move for him to Merseyside could boost Liverpool’s youth ranks as they try to build for a bigger and better future under manager Jurgen Klopp. At 19, the teenager still has a lot to learn and there are a few better academies than the one at Melwood to get the best out of the player.
Maximiliano Caufriez
The 20-year-old centre-back plies his trade at Waasland-Beveren in the Jupiler Pro League and has impressed with his performances this season. He has featured in 12 matches for the Belgian club and has helped his side climb to 8th place in the top tier of Belgian football. If given a chance to show his talents at Liverpool, the young defender has the potential to flourish under Klopp and be a loyal servant for the Reds in the coming years.
Dries Wouters
The Belgian defender plays for KRC Genk in the Jupiler Pro League and has made 4 appearances for his club this season. He has caught the eye with his display for the Genk senior side who currently lie in 7th place in the top tier of Belgian football. Wouters is versatile and can operate as a centre-half or in the left-back position which Liverpool could look to utilise and develop in their academy before promoting him to Klopp’s first-team.
