Jurgen Klopp’s men stand as one of the most entertaining sides in Europe at the moment. While the quality in attack has a lot to do with the value of entertainment they usually offer, but their defensive line plays an equal role in making Liverpool’s games pulsating.
The Reds broke the British transfer record to sign Virgil van Dijk in the January transfer window but there has not been a drastic change in the matters at the back. They are still in the market for a new defender and one player still on their radar is Dutch international Stefan de Vrij.
A transfer target for the Reds for more than a year now, De Vrij is in the final few months of his current deal with Lazio and it was reported that he might be available on a free transfer at the end of the season. However, it is now understood that he is set to sign a new deal with the Italian outfit this month.
Lazio’s sporting director Igli Tare has today revealed that the 25-year old has agreed on terms with the club over a contract extension, but is waiting on an official announcement, pending clearance from his agency. It is reported that the contract will have a low release clause that will allow De Vrij to quit in the summer so should Liverpool make a move for him?
Also wanted by Manchester United, the 31 cap Netherlands international is one of the most consistent defenders in Serie A at the moment. He has a slightly iffy injury history but has missed just five games this season, scoring three goals in 22 league starts this season.
He has 135 Eredivisie appearances before he moved to Italy, where he has 81 Serie A appearances to date and is an experienced campaigner, even at just 25.
Known for his strength and hold up play, along with his aerial ability and composure with the ball at his feet, De Vrij is the first choice CB for his club and country at the moment. He has not made a single error leading to a goal for over a year now and is a disciplined defender, who will add some clam to this Liverpool backline.
The Reds have Dejan Lovren, Joel Matip and Ragnar Klavan as partners for Virgil van Dijk, who will remain the first choice defender at the club for years to come. De Vrij, who plays with Van Dijk for their country, will have little problems forming a formidable partnership at the back and Klopp should definitely look to make a move in the summer.
He will not have a huge release clause and if Klopp believes that he can solve the problems at Anfield, he should definitely spend big, as he can easily end their quest for a quality defender.
