OPINION
Despite Dejan Lovren’s renaissance during the final weeks of the 2017/18 season, Liverpool need to bring in a new centre-back this summer.
The Croatia international has shown admirable progress since being hauled off after just 30 minutes against Spurs in the early season, and ended the campaign strongly with a brilliant performance in the Champions League final.
However, the signs of inconsistency cannot be ignored, and the fact is that the 28-year-old does not have what it takes to perform at that level for a whole season, which is crucial if Liverpool want to win a major title in 2018/19.
Virgil van Dijk needs a partner alongside him who he can trust week in, week out, and Liverpool have a task on their hands finding that man this summer.
One potential target is Sevilla defender Clement Lenglet, who has had a stellar season in La Liga and is now the subject of a big-name hunt.
According to L’Equipe, Liverpool’s bitter rivals Manchester United have made an approach for the 22-year-old, who reportedly has a release clause set at £30.7million.
Lenglet would be the perfect, ready-made partner for van Dijk for several reasons, and Liverpool must hijack United’s hunt this summer.
Firstly, Lenglet is left-footed, with the France youth international able to slot straight in on the left side of that central duo and in turn provide perfect balance for the Reds defence.
Secondly, he is extremely young and has much room to grow alongside van Dijk, with the duo having the potential to go on and become Liverpool’s centre-back partnership for many years to come.
Thirdly comes price. At £30.7million, Lenglet is an absolute steal in today’s market, which has seen defenders start to go for upwards of £50million on a regular basis.
And finally comes Lenglet himself, with the 22-year-old coming off a massively impressive season with Sevilla that saw him thrust into the limelight with some brilliant performances, particularly in the Champions League.
The classy enforcer is hugely composed on the ball, and his aerial ability belies his relatively average 6ft 1in frame for a centre-back [Transfermarkt].
It is a swoop which makes perfect sense for the Reds, and one that they must pursue as soon as possible before it is too late.
