Liverpool considered signing Aymeric Laporte, Jerome Boateng, or Kalidou Koulibaly as alternatives for Virgil van Dijk, according to Goal.
The online outlet claim that Jurgen Klopp created the shortlist in 2017, but his main target was always the Dutch colossus who has recently been named UEFA’s player of the year.
Goal report that the three big-name defenders were shortlisted as players who could come in and make a difference at Anfield by breaking up the partnership between Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip.
Liverpool made van Dijk the world’s most expensive defender when completing a £75million deal, a record that has recently been broken by Manchester United and their move for Harry Maguire.
OPINION
By the looks of the list put together for Klopp, Liverpool would have ended up with a quality defender whoever they bought, especially after it was revealed the Reds would have done whatever it takes to secure one of the big names. However, after the major success of van Dijk, Liverpool couldn’t have signed a better player, with the former Southampton man having evolved into a world-class player under the guidance of Klopp at Anfield. The Dutchman epitomises everything it takes to succeed for the Reds and is the central figure in Liverpool’s charge for their first-ever Premier League title. The 28-year-old was phenomenal last season, wasn’t dribbled past once in the entire campaign, and has already won 5.4 aerial duels per game at the beginning of the Premier League according to WhoScored, as well as 1.6 interceptions as he continues to shine. Klopp will remember his list but will never regret his decision to not move forward for any other option but van Dijk.
