Liverpool are thought to be tussling with Newcastle United for the signing of Sevilla centre-back Loic Bade, according to a new transfer update.
The Reds are excelling defensively with Arne Slot at the helm, with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konare arguably the best centre-back pairing in Europe currently.
That’s not to say that a new central defender isn’t needed at Anfield in January or next summer, however, with an injury to either Van Dijk or Konate leaving Liverpool short of options.
Jarell Quansah has enjoyed a fantastic 2024 overall, but some errors have shown that he is still a work in progress and isn’t ready to be starting regularly for one of the biggest clubs in the world.
Meanwhile, Joe Gomez was superb off the substitutes’ bench at home to Brighton in the Premier League last weekend, but he has been mainly used at full-back in recent seasons.
According to Estadio Deportivo [via Sport Witness], Liverpool have been boosted in their efforts to sign Bade, with Sevilla potentially forced to sell him because of their financial situation.
The 24-year-old has a reported €60m (£50m) release clause in his current contract, with the Reds and Newcastle both looking to pounce.
Our thoughts on Liverpool signing Bade…
Bade could be just what Liverpool are after, in terms of additional centre-back depth, with the Frenchman proving himself as a top-level defender for a sustained period now.
The Sevilla man has averaged 4.9 clearances and 2.4 aerial duel wins per game in La Liga across nine appearances this season, while football talent scout Jacek Kulig has said of him in the past:
“So good, mature and complete. He will be a world-class defender in the future. I have no doubt about that. Elite talent.”
Still only 24, Bade has plenty of improving to do in the coming years and could be content to play a squad role for a Liverpool side that looks capable of winning both the Premier League and Champions League this season.
He could also see a move to such a huge club as a way of boosting his chances of forcing his way into France’s squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup and beyond, having yet to make an appearance at senior level.
