Liverpool’s transfer activities have been quiet for a while since securing the services of Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig. While the new signing has been unveiled ahead of the pre-season trip, the Reds outcast Ben Davies is set to fight for his place despite fresh interest from Celtic, according to the Mirror. The Hoops, however, are not alone in the hunt as Bournemouth have joined the race for the former Preston North End centre-back in their bid to grab a top-flight return.
Celtic were close to roping in the 25-year-old back in winter before Liverpool hijacked the deal under their noses in order to deal with a major defensive crisis midway through the previous term. But the Englishman has failed to make the cut as he is yet to feature for the Merseyside giants.
Further Down The Pecking Order?
Meanwhile, the arrival of Konate would send Davies further down the pecking order at Anfield. Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez are back to fitness, whereas the likes of Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams should get involved considering their heroics in the decisive gameweeks of the 2020-21 campaign. Liverpool would not have clinched a Champions League berth without their rookie central defensive pairing.
Apparently, Davies is now the seventh-choice centre-half and should consider a move elsewhere to reclaim first-team status similar to Preston days. However, the former Championship star would not give up this early and is determined to impress Jurgen Klopp before the new season kicks off.
Why Liverpool Should Still Retain Davies Despite Interest From The Other Suitors
Having said that, the defender made the bench eight times last term before enduring a calf strain back in April. Liverpool opted not to make Ozan Kabak’s move permanent, and also, the growing popularity of Phillips might see him plying his trade elsewhere to attain a starting role. The Reds should arrange a loan for Williams to develop his defensive traits and the shake-up, thus, would help Davies climb up the pecking order in the coming days.
Moreover, Neco Williams is pushing for a summer exit for gametime. He had few opportunities as the understudy to Trent Alexander-Arnold. It seems the club would rather opt for the versatile Joe Gomez as a makeshift right fullback in the absence of the Scouse sensation. This might lead to crisis once again in the heart of the backline, and the chances should come for Davies if he waits patiently over rushing towards the exit, months after his arrival. Liverpool, too, must retain his services to deal with any potential injury crisis in the defensive third.
