Liverpool and Arsenal will both require “huge” bids to have any chance of signing Brentford defender Aaron Hickey, according to a new transfer update.
There was some surprise that the Reds didn’t make any additions to their back-line during the summer transfer window, with their focus on the midfield instead.
Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch all arrived at Anfield, but with Joel Matip and Joe Gomez injury-prone, another centre-back would have been ideal.
In fairness, the pair have done well this season, filling in for Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ibrahima Konate impressively at times, and most importantly, remaining fit.
Liverpool do need to address their defensive situation sooner rather than later, however, and it looks as though Hickey could be a possible target, following recent reports.
According to Football Insider, the Reds and Arsenal won’t be able to sign the 21-year-old on the cheap, however, given how highly he is rated at Brentford:
“It would take a ‘huge’ offer for elite clubs like Liverpool or Arsenal to prise Brentford defender Aaron Hickey away from the club, sources have told Football Insider. A well-placed source has told Football Insider that the Bees have no plans to let the 21-year-old leave in the near future.
“Additionally, Football Insider revealed on Monday (25 September) that Hickey is “happy” with the Bees despite the reported interest from elite English clubs.
“This news comes after reports suggesting Liverpool, Arsenal and Man United – as well as German giants Bayern Munich – are ready to battle for Hickey’s signature in January. But well-placed sources have told Football Insider that the defender doesn’t want to disrupt his flow of first-team football with a move in the mid-season window.”
Our thoughts on Liverpool making a move for Hickey…
Hickey looks like an exciting young footballer with a bright future ahead of him, so it is exciting to see that Liverpool are even in the picture to sign him.
The full-back has started all six Premier League games for Brentford so far this season, completing 90.9% of his passes and averaging 2.2 tackles per game, and he should only improve with age.
While a central defender is arguably more important for Liverpool, having strong deputies to Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson is also key moving forward.
It seems clear that Hickey is perfectly content at his current club for the time being, seemingly putting paid to a January transfer happening, but the Reds should consider tabling a bid for his services at the end of this season.
The 11-time capped Scotland international could be an ideal acquisition, in terms of age and style of play, and the fact that he can play at both right-back and left-back, as well as in midfield, could appeal to Jurgen Klopp.
