Speaking on a recent episode of The Transfer Window podcast, Ian McGarry claimed that RB Leipzig centre-back, Dayot Upamecano, is the ‘first choice’ target for Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp, in the January transfer window.
Following the anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained by Virgil van Dijk in the club’s 2-2 draw with Merseyside rivals Everton last weekend, which has ruled the centre-back out for an unspecified amount of time, Klopp has been left with just Joe Gomez and Joel Matip as senior options in the centre of defence, with 18-year-old Sepp van den Berg – who is yet to make a Premier League appearance – also an option.
As a result of this lack of depth, reports have emerged claiming that Liverpool will be looking to replace Van Dijk in the January transfer window, and, speaking on a recent episode of The Transfer Window podcast, McGarry claimed that Liverpool are ‘already active in trying to get a deal done’ to bring a new defender into the club, with the podcaster stating that RB Leipzig centre-back, Dayot Upamecano, is the club’s ‘first choice’.
He said: “What we have learned from our sources here at Transfer Window HQ is that Dayot Upamecano, the RB Leipzig centre half, is Liverpool’s first choice in terms of a new centre-half to buy. He was the defender who Jurgen Klopp identified way before this summer’s window as someone who should be coming into Anfield to replace Dejan Lovren, who, as we know, left the club in the summer.
“Interestingly, and also, I’m sure, ironic, for the German head coach [is] that he was not given the player he wanted [in the summer transfer window], indeed, he was not given a centre half at all, and now he finds himself without one of the best centre-backs in world football, probably for the rest of the season.
“While this is a dreadful blow for Liverpool in their title defence, [there are] just under 10 weeks until the January window opens, and what we’ve been told here at the podcast is that Liverpool are already active in trying to get a deal done, which will see a new centre-back arrive on January 1.”
Do you see Upamecano as a suitable replacement for Van Dijk?
Yes
No
TIF Thoughts on Ian McGarry’s claims Liverpool want to sign Dayot Upamecano…
From McGarry’s comments, it is clear that the podcaster is of the belief that the £54 million-rated 21-year-old will be Klopp’s priority in the January transfer window, and, although it is unspecified as to who the player is, McGarry also claims that Liverpool are already in active talks regarding the transfer of a player who would come into the club on January 1.
As such, while losing a player of Van Dijk’s ability to injury will undoubtedly be a blow to Liverpool in their hopes of retaining their Premier League crown this season, with roughly around 10 weeks until the January transfer window opens, Klopp will not have to wait too long in order to bring in a replacement.