Liverpool are interested in sealing the signing of Rennes centre-back Arthur Theate this summer, according to a new transfer claim from France.
There has been so much focus on rebuilding the Reds’ midfield since the end of last season – so much so that the defence has been largely ignored to this point.
Jurgen Klopp’s side also struggled in that area of the pitch in 2023/24, with Joel Matip and Joe Gomez looking past their best and even the incomparable Virgil van Dijk short of his top form.
There is arguably a need for another central defender to come in before the end of the current transfer window, with a left-sided option ideal, in terms of providing more competition for places.
According to L’Equipe, Theate has emerged as a possible target for Liverpool before deadline day arrives at the end of the month, identifying him as a strong option to bring in.
The 23-year-old is an eight-time capped Belgium international who has also made 43 appearances for Rennis, scoring five goals in that time.
Our thoughts on Liverpool’s potential move for Theate…
Theate may not exactly be a household name to those who don’t want Ligue 1 avidly, but he could be just what Liverpool are after in the coming weeks.
The fact that the Belgian is a left-footed centre-back who can also play at left-back is ideal, considering he would not only battle the central defender for playing time but also Andy Robertson, who has struggled a little in a tweaked role of late.
At 23, Theate would be a young option whose best years are still ahead of him, and he enjoyed an 89.6% pass completion rate in the league last season, as well as averaging 3.2 clearances per game across 35 appearances.
If Liverpool could complete the signing of the Rennes defender as soon as possible, and also snap up Crystal Palace’s Cheick Doucoure, it would represent the final piece of the jigsaw in an up-and-down summer at Anfield.
While the Reds have missed out on some key targets, including Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, to have four new midfielders and an additional centre-back would be just what the doctor ordered.
