Liverpool

Liverpool: John Cross discusses the club’s links with defender but warns them not to panic buy

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Image for Liverpool: John Cross discusses the club’s links with defender but warns them not to panic buy

Speaking on a recent episode of the Football Writers Podcast, John Cross discussed Liverpool’s links with RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano, before warning the club about panic-buying a defender in January.

Following Virgil van Dijk’s injury, which looks to keep the centre-back sidelined for a considerable length of time, much has been discussed about who Liverpool could purchase as a replacement for the 29-year-old in the January transfer window.

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One of the players mentioned as a potential target for Jurgen Klopp’s side has been Upamecano, the 22-year-old Leipzig defender who has been described as ‘one of the best young centre-backs in Europe’.

And, Liverpool’s links with the Frenchman were one topic of conversation on a recent episode of the Football Writers Podcast, in which Cross gave his opinion on the ability of the Bundesliga defender, before warning the Reds about potentially panic-buying a player in January.

He said: “The one that I think they’ve been linked with is Upamecano at RB Leipzig – I think he’s a hell of a player, I must say. Obviously, the best of Europe have looked there, found it difficult so far.

“The one aspect that they’ve got to look out for is that they need to make a long-term signing, it has to be a strategy. Liverpool have been so good in the transfer market, they’ve always bought for the long term.

“They mustn’t go in [and] panic-buy someone who’s not quite of their level [and would] reduce the level of the squad, and then be stuck with quite a significant signing. That’s the sort of [mistake] that they’ve made in the past – certainly not in the last five years or so, generally.

“If results and leaky performances continue, then they will probably have to look in the January market. It’s not an area where they would like to go, but I do think that you can easily justify this one by saying that [Liverpool] probably need to strengthen, anyway. Ultimately, I do think they’ll go spending.”

Do you see Upamecano as a suitable replacement for Van Dijk?

Yes

Yes

No

No

TIF Thoughts on John Cross’ comments regarding Liverpool’s hunt for a centre-back…

From Cross’ comments, it is clear that the journalist is of the belief that Upamecano would indeed be a good addition to the Liverpool squad, however, he also urged the club not to make any rash decisions in January, and that, if they do make a move for a player, it should be for one who has a good chance of being a decent long-term signing for the side, rather than just a quick fix to cover for the injured Van Dijk.

For now, though, we will simply have to wait and see whether or not Klopp does indeed feel that he needs to spend big on a new centre-back in January, or if he can make do with what he currently has at his disposal in the squad.

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Football Writer for Snack Media