OPINION
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has been busy in this transfer window strengthening his squad, but he now needs a new centre-back before it slams shut.
Sky Sports had previously reported that the German coach was not expecting to make anymore new additions in the form of defenders, but he needs to find a suitable partner for Virgil Van Dijk in the centre of defence.
Step forward Juventus centre-back Mattia Caldara, a player he must consider to fill that role.
The 6’1″ (source: Transfermarkt) defender is currently on the radar of league rivals Chelsea, who lodged a £35.5 million bid for his services according to the Evening Standard – but the Reds should plot a raid on the Italian right under the noses of Chelsea.
Liverpool are in need of another centre-back, particularly now Joel Matip has sustained an injury – and Caldara is the player to ease those woes.
He would form an excellent partnership with fan favourite Van Dijk – he is not the tallest of players in his position, but his 34 appearances for the Serie A giants indicate what a reliable team member he is.
Caldara played a key part in his team’s run to the Champions League quarter-finals, where they narrowly lost out to Real Madrid after mounting a stunning comeback, while also won the Serie A title.
His experience playing at a top level in Italy’s top-flight will prove useful to the Reds, who have a defence who are relatively young or without vast amounts of experience in their repertoires.
Klopp would be mad not to swoop for a player of this calibre – he is a great blocker of the ball and has the ability to stabilise any back line, which would take the pressure off Van Dijk.
Now the Reds must swoop for the new Italy international, before the Blues get in there first with their bid.
