Liverpool’s Defensive Hunt Intensifies Amid Guehi Setback
Liverpool’s seek for defensive reinforcements is gathering momentum after one other setback of their backline. Anfield Watch has reported that the membership, already hampered by Giovanni Leoni’s long-term harm, at the moment are locked in a two-way battle with Tottenham Hotspur for not simply Marc Guehi, but in addition one other Premier League captain, Nathan Collins.
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The harm to 18-year-old Leoni has left Liverpool relying solely on Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez as their solely senior match centre-backs. The £26 million signing from Parma suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear on his debut and will probably be sidelined for a 12 months, a blow that has compelled the membership’s switch technique again underneath the microscope.
Guehi pursuit leaves questions over recruitment
The membership’s failure to safe Marc Guehi on deadline day has created frustration. Liverpool supplied an preliminary £35 million for the Crystal Palace captain, however the bid was turned down because of Palace being unable to supply a alternative. With Guehi’s contract set to run out in 2026, his availability is anticipated to spark main competitors.
“Liverpool supplied an preliminary £35m for the Crystal Palace captain which was turned down as a result of the FA Cup holders couldn’t supply a alternative,” as reported by Anfield Watch.
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Tottenham are already mooted as one other critical contender for the England worldwide. This raises questions on whether or not Richard Hughes, Liverpool’s sporting director, left the membership brief by not pushing tougher in the course of the summer season window. With Van Dijk ageing and Konate typically battling health considerations, depth at centre-back feels perilously skinny for a aspect aiming to retain their Premier League crown.
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Collins emerges as subsequent Brentford export
Consideration has now turned in the direction of Nathan Collins of Brentford. The 24-year-old, signed from Wolves for £24 million in 2023, has blossomed into the membership’s captain underneath new supervisor Keith Andrews. He accomplished each minute of final season’s Premier League marketing campaign and is underneath contract till 2029.
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“They [Brentford] don’t wish to lose Nathan Collins,” a report reads. “There was a little bit of curiosity in the summertime from Tottenham. Liverpool have been talked about in addition to they have been taking a look at a centre-back.”
Brentford have developed a fame for commanding premium charges for his or her finest gamers, with Ivan Toney, Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa all often linked with strikes away. Collins, who has 32 caps for Eire and two objectives, could quickly comply with in that custom, attracting heavyweight curiosity from golf equipment larger up the desk.
Spurs present unwelcome competitors
Tottenham’s involvement complicates Liverpool’s pursuit additional. Their head coach, Thomas Frank, is aware of Collins nicely from his time in cost at Brentford and is alleged to retain a robust admiration for his growth. Liverpool’s recruiters, nevertheless, have additionally added the Irishman to their database, with some experiences suggesting that 2026 could possibly be the 12 months Collins makes a transfer to Anfield.
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“If he continues to impress for Brentford and as he’s proven already at such a younger age, he’s received these management qualities as nicely, being captain on the membership, I’m certain there’ll be golf equipment monitoring the state of affairs and possibly within the summertime there could possibly be additional curiosity in him,” one evaluation noticed.
For Liverpool, Collins would characterize each a long-term funding and a reinforcement for an space of the squad left threadbare by accidents and missteps within the switch market. The competitors from Spurs, nevertheless, ensures that this is not going to be a simple chase.
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From a Liverpool supporter’s perspective, the present state of affairs feels frustratingly acquainted. Defensive shortages have haunted the membership prior to now, most notably in the course of the 2020-21 marketing campaign when accidents decimated the squad. Supporters had hoped classes had been realized, but this summer season’s failure to safe Marc Guehi has left Richard Hughes open to scrutiny.
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The harm to Giovanni Leoni is deeply unlucky, particularly for such a promising younger participant, however Liverpool wanted to anticipate threat and have higher cowl. Counting on Van Dijk, Konate and Gomez for a whole marketing campaign feels optimistic at finest and reckless at worst. All three have had their very own health struggles, and the dearth of depth seems significantly harmful in a season the place the crew is anticipated to problem throughout a number of competitions.
Nathan Collins could be a shrewd acquisition. He has proven sturdiness, consistency and management qualities at Brentford, attributes that Liverpool’s backline may badly use. Nevertheless, with Tottenham within the body, the worry is that Liverpool could once more be too sluggish or too cautious available in the market. The membership can not afford to repeat the errors of earlier home windows the place hesitation price them key targets.
For supporters, the message is evident. Liverpool want decisive motion in January to strengthen the guts of their defence. Ready till summer season could possibly be too late within the context of a Premier League title race and Champions League marketing campaign. With Guehi and Collins each within the combine, it’s time for the recruitment crew to ship.