With Virgil van Dijk likely to miss the remainder of the 2020/21 campaign with an ACL injury and Joe Gomez set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines, Liverpool suddenly find themselves without their first-choice centre-back pairing.
Thankfully for the Reds, the January transfer window is on the horizon. Needless to say, Jurgen Klopp will be eager to bolster his defensive options.
Here are five centre-backs that Liverpool could sign to replace their injured stars.
Over the past couple of years, Upamecano has established himself as one of the most sought-after young defenders in European soccer. Indeed, his lightning-quick pace, strong physicality and excellent ball-carrying skills make him the perfect modern-day centre-back.
Of course, he won’t be cheap. Transfermarkt currently value the Frenchman at €60m. But having continued to enhance his glowing reputation in recent months, he could be worth every cent.
Funnily enough, Coady came through the ranks of the Liverpool academy. The Merseysider has since made a name for himself at Wolves, gaining bags of Premier League experience in the process.
Liverpool could be tempted to look at defenders with Premier League experience, rather than gamble on an unknown quantity from overseas. Coady has arguably been one of the most consistent centre-backs over the last two seasons, so he could be a smart option.
It feels like Koulibaly has been linked with a move away from Napoli for years now, doesn’t it? There is no denying that the giant Senegal international deserves transfer to an elite club, but at 29, are his best years now behind him?
If the Reds are only looking for a temporary replacement, Koulibaly could be a pricey choice. Napoli are rumored to want around €80m for the centre-back, and Liverpool aren’t likely to part ways with that kind of sum.
Tarkowski has even more Premier League experience than Coady. The 27-year-old has well over 100 top-flight appearances under his belt, meaning he could come in and make an instant impact.
We all know that Burnley’s style of play is completely different to that of Liverpool’s. Tarkowski would have to adapt to how Klopp likes his side to operate, but he should be more than capable of doing that. Better still, he would be a relatively cheap option.
It is no secret that Alaba is likely to leave Bayern at the end of the season. The player and the club have so far failed to agree a new contract, leaving many of Europe’s top clubs on red alert.
The versatile Austrian made a name for himself as a left-back, but while he is also comfortable in midfield, he has recently nailed down a centre-back spot in Hansi Flick’s team. A multiple title winner, Alaba would immediately enhance Liverpool’s squad.