Five defenders to boost Liverpool in January’s transfer window
Published:
Matt Haynes | December 16, 2015
Despite Jurgen Klopp’s arrival at Anfield which has seen the club dramatically improve, there is still one underlying problem.
Demonstrated recently in the club’s 2-2 draw with West Bromwich Albion which saw Liverpool, 20/1 with Coral to win the Premier League, lucky to gain a point, after a last gasp equaliser.
At the back, they lack the organisation they once had under Rafa Benitez when defensive stalwart Jamie Carragher marshalled their rearguard and, following an injury to Dejan Lovren, it is in this position that could cost their pursuit of silverware.
Therefore, Coral look at five credible defensive options who Klopp could turn to in the January transfer window to help Liverpool sustain a genuine title charge in what will be a challenging fixture schedule second half of the Premier League season.
Benedikt Howedes
Very much in the Carragher mould, the 27-year-old centre back is a leader at the back for club Schalke and Klopp will be aware of this. Aerially dominant and strong in the tackle, he would bring much needed solidity to the backline and is likely to command a fee of between £15m-£20m for the Reds to secure his services.
Nicolas N’Koulou
Currently plying his trade for Marseille, the Cameroon commander has pace to burn and is tactically astute. Would be seen as an upgrade to Mamadou Sakho, who has demonstrated why PSG were right to let him go in recent seasons, after failing to strike up a relationship with his defensive partner when playing.
Aymeric Laporte
One of the highest rated young defenders in the game, the 21-year-old centre back has become a key member of the Athletic Bilbao squad. Linked with Manchester United in the past, he may feel now is the right time to move elsewhere and the switch could be right for all parties involved. However, he wouldn’t come cheap.
Inigo Martinez
Has similar stock to Laporte, the Real Sociedad centre back, the 24-year-old is tipped to be an important figure, in time for the Spain national team. He may relish the chance to continue his football education under Klopp at Liverpool and, technically gifted he is the German boss’s type of player.
Mateo Musacchio
Villarreal’s Argentine centre back has just returned from injury though has always been rated highly. At 25 he is yet to reach his peak and may see the Reds as an ideal opportunity to force his way into being a regular starter for Argentina.
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