According to a recent report by AS, Liverpool are hoping to replace Dejan Lovren and have identified Atletico Madrid’s José Giménez as one of the three potential candidates to replace him this summer. However, the same source has claimed that it won’t be easy for the Reds to land the Uruguay international as his current contract, which is set to run out in the summer of 2023, has a €120m release clause.
It is believed that Jurgen Klopp is looking for a new defender who can be a commanding presence inside his own box and can also play the ball out from the back (via AS). So Gimenez fits the bill perfectly as he is precisely the kind of centre-back who has the potential to form a solid partnership with Virgil Van Dijk at Anfield.
Gimenez’s Injury-Plagued Season At The Spanish Capital
The 25-year-old has endured a difficult campaign at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium so far as he has failed to hit the heights of previous seasons. He has made 16 appearances for Diego Simeone’s side this term and has one assist to his name across all competitions. The Toledo-born talent has missed several matches this season due to a muscle injury which explains why he has only earned just under 1000 minutes of playing time in the La Liga.
Defensively, Gimenez has averaged 1.4 tackles, 1.3 interceptions and 3.4 clearances per 90 minutes of league football this season (stats via whoscored). If he can overcome his recent injury concerns, there is no doubt that the Uruguayan can still perform at a high level. The ex-Danubio defender has also secured 58 senior caps for the Uruguayan national team and has eight international goals to his name so far. Hence, we can expect him to play a key role in Óscar Tabárez’s side when the Copa America kicks off in the summer of 2021.
What Will The Uruguay International Add To Klopp’s Side?
Gimenez has established himself among the best centre-backs in European football over the past few years. He has shown exceptional defensive awareness in reading the danger when left exposed at the back. The La Liga sensation is an excellent tackler and can make some vital interceptions for his team. He tends to be in the right place at the right time and has made a name for himself for producing several important last-gasp clearances.
Will Gimenez Be A Dream Acquisition For Klopp?
The Uruguayan also boasts a pass success rate of 85.2% in the league this season (stats via whoscored). His ability to play the ball out from the back, coupled with dominant aerial presence, make him a perfect choice for Liverpool. Gimenez will be a significant upgrade over Lovren if Klopp can find a way to lure him to Merseyside this summer. He will not only add more quality to the Reds backline but also thrive playing alongside a defender of Van Dijk’s calibre as part of Klopp’s first XI.
Gimenez will also push Joe Gomez and Joel Matip to improve themselves which could help Liverpool compete for multiple trophies in the coming years. Furthermore, he will offer Klopp the option to play with three defenders in specific matches next season which could unlock the true attacking potential of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson as they will finally be able to push up the field and operate as the wing-backs.
All in all, Gimenez will be a dream signing for the Merseyside giants as he could help in establishing a period of sustained success in both domestic and European football.
