In spite of the injury woes, Liverpool have maintained their supremacy at the top of the Premier League standings and are reportedly aiming a double defensive swoop for free agent Ezequiel Garay and Real Madrid youngster Eder Militao, Todofichajes.com has claimed.
With Virgil van Dijk still recovering from a severe anterior cruciate ligament injury endured early into the campaign, Joe Gomez’s patellar tendon rupture has left the Reds with Joel Matip as the only specialist central defensive option available. Although Fabinho has been majestic so far as a makeshift centre-half, the reinforcements are essential in order to go for glory and conquer the silverware.
How Liverpool Are Adjusting To The Crisis And Why They Would Benefit From The Garay Deal
Young Rhys Williams and Nat Phillips have done well whenever called into action, but the experience needs to be restored in the heart of the backline and the expertise of Garay would boost them with depth and quality as a short-term resolution. The 34-year-old Argentine is out of action since February after rupturing his cruciate ligament but has regained his fitness now and is up for a new challenge. He was released by Valencia to make way for a new signing and the Albiceleste international is still looking for a fresh opportunity to resurrect his career elsewhere.
While the signing of Garay won’t be a big deal for the Merseysiders, Militao, their other target, is not available for cheap considering the Blancos’ €50m investment for the ex-Porto prodigy. The 22-year-old Brazilian has mostly been utilized sporadically since joining the Spanish hotshots, but the promises exhibited as of now suggest a bright future ahead of him with more minutes week in week out.
Why They Need Militao More Than Garay Even If It Is A Bit Complicated
Militao is also capable of featuring as a right fullback and has already impressed once in Porto’s Champions League defeat against Liverpool a couple of seasons back. Real must not let a player of his calibre depart on permanent terms and the Reds, therefore, should opt for a loan move for the remainder of the ongoing term. Jurgen Klopp is not a fan of such temporary deals, but the complications of the winter window might force him to accept the situation reluctantly.
Matip, meanwhile, has past history of fitness concerns and the upcoming fixture congestion is not ideal for the 29-year-old having missed out a few key games already this season. Liverpool would be benefitted if they tie down both Garay and Militao but, at the same time, must get their ‘Plan B’ ready in case they miss out on the defensive pair.
