Liverpool are “keeping tabs” on Anderlecht and Belgium centre-back Zeno Debast as they look to life beyond Joel Matip and Virgil van Dijk.
That is according to 90min journalist Graeme Bailey, who was speaking on the Talking Transfers podcast about the latest news from Anfield.
According to Bailey in his 90min article, Liverpool are keeping a close eye on the 18-year-old, who earned his first Belgium call-up last month and started in both Nations League fixtures against Wales and the Netherlands.
The article goes on to say that the defender has a contract at Anderlecht until 2025 and Borussia Dortmund are one of a number of other European clubs keeping an eye on his progress.
Bailey thinks that Debast may be looked at as a long-term replacement for Matip, who the Reds may choose to move on in a year’s time.
He said: “It’s our information that they are keeping tabs on Belgium centre-half Zeno Debast, an Anderlecht centre-half who has just made his international debut at the age of 18.
“Six foot two, rave reviews.
“It’s obviously an area where Liverpool, probably in a year’s time, would probably need to move on from maybe a Matip or not really move from Van Dijk, but look for his replacement in advance.”
TIF Thoughts on Bailey’s comments…
We think that there will come a point in the near future where Liverpool need to put a succession plan in place for their centre-backs, with Matip and Van Dijk having both turned 31 in the summer.
A move for a highly rated Belgian international could make a lot of sense, with Debast already having plenty of experience under his belt despite his young age, having made 24 senior appearances for Anderlecht, according to Transfermarkt.
Therefore, we could foresee a situation in which Liverpool move for the centre-half in January and loan him back to Anderlecht in a bid to give him more senior experience ahead of a career at Anfield.