Former Premier League player and BBC pundit Alan Hutton has shared his thoughts on the possibility of Liverpool making a summer transfer move for RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol.
Earlier this month, it was reported that the Reds are interested in signing the defender, who would apparently be keen on the move due to him being a boyhood Liverpool fan.
This has led to one pundit sharing his views on the matter and what it could mean for the Reds if they were to land his signature.
Speaking to Football Insider, Hutton had this to say about Gvardiol and a potential summer move to Anfield.
He said: “I think he is an excellent player. We are talking about a lot of money, left-sided, great range of passing, he is physical, he is a good size. Him playing up with a Virgil van Dijk who is fully fit, I think a lot of fans would be very happy with that.
“It is going to cost a lot of money and whether they are willing to spend that on a centre-half we will soon find out.
“We are talking £80-plus million for him. But I think it is well worth it. He is only 21, it is crazy to think that he is playing at that level at such a young age and taking it all in his stride. So I think that would be an excellent signing.”
With 75 appearances to his name for Leipzig, the centre-back has scored four goals and delivered four assists in addition to his defensive input.
One of those goals came against Manchester City in their Champions League round of 16 clash last month, showing the experience he has of coming up against Premier League opposition.
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In terms of his efforts in the Bundesliga this season, as well as having one of the highest passing accuracy percentages at Leipzig, he also has the second-highest totals of passes into the final third of the pitch (85).
In addition to that, the Croatian also has the second-highest total of clearances (57) at the German club and third-highest for interceptions (23), showcasing his ability off the ball as well as on it.
Bearing in mind how Liverpool have dropped points on 13 occasions this season in the Premier League prior to Sunday’s match against Manchester United, it could be said that they could do with some defensive reinforcements arriving at Anfield this summer.
Also, with Virgil van Dijk (31) and Joel Matip (31) being two of Jurgen Klopp’s oldest squad members, perhaps securing a deal for the 21-year-old Leipzig star could be just what they need in terms of a potential long-term replacement for either of their current centre-backs.