OPINION
The main focus at Liverpool so far this summer has been the hunt for a new goalkeeper, but there is another area that needs desperate attention at Anfield: centre-back.
Dejan Lovren’s vast improvement towards the end of the season may have diverted focus away from the Reds defence, but the fact remains that the club need to bring in a new centre-back this summer.
The arrival of Virgil van Dijk has shown what can be done with the addition of a quality defender, and now the Dutchman needs such a player alongside him.
One potential target that has not been mentioned so far is Juventus’ rising star Daniele Rugani.
The 23-year-old had a breakthrough season in 2017/18, eventually forcing his way into the starting team for the Serie A champions, making 26 appearances in all competitions.
As reported by Tuttosport, this brilliant run of form is attracting the attention of Premier League clubs, with Arsenal and Chelsea linked with a move for the enforcer.
Liverpool must consider a hijack of this interest this summer, with 6ft 3in Rugani [Transfermarkt] set to become one of Europe’s best defenders in the coming seasons.
There will be those that say he is not ready to slot straight in at Anfield, but the youngster has shown during the 2017/18 season that he has what it takes to handle the pressure.
Lovren’s upturn in form may see fans call for him to remain in the side, but a mistake is always just around the corner with the Croatia international, and Liverpool simply cannot afford to carry a player like that.
In Rugani and van Dijk the Reds would have one of Europe’s most-promising defences, with the sky bring the limit in terms of their potential to develop together.
The Mirror claim that Rugani is rated around £26million by Juventus, which is a massively affordable price for such a brilliant young player.
The Reds must move now quickly to hijack their rivals’ interest in Rugani and bolster their defence for a push at silverware next season.
