Liverpool are one of the big clubs who are reportedly in the mix to sign Chelsea youngster Josh Acheampong in the summer transfer window.
The Reds’ defence continues to flatter to deceive this season, with even Virgil van Dijk struggling to match his previous heights too often.
Jeremy Jacquet is already coming in from Rennes at the end of the season, but another defender feels like a must, especially if both Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez move on.
According to a new update from Caught Offside, Liverpool are closely monitoring £25.9m-rated Chelsea star Acheampong, and are “impressed by his ability to operate effectively in multiple defensive roles.”
The 19-year-old is also believed to be wanted by Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle United, in what could be a tussle for one of the most wanted players in the summer transfer window.
Josh Acheampong an ideal versatile addition for Liverpool
Chelsea may not be the most impressive defensive outfit currently, losing 3-0 away to Chelsea in the Premier League last weekend, but Acheampong is a player with a huge amount of promise.
The Englishman has managed 12 league appearances this season, and five in the Champions League, and former Blues manager Enzo Maresca was a big admirer, saying:
“The one that I fell in love with is Josh Acheampong because for me potentially he can be fantastic player, a top player for this club, and for football in general. A good player shows you they can play in different position and do good. He was a full back, good, midfielder, good, central defender, good, so it’s not about ‘I play in that position or in that position’ – if you are a good player you can be in different positions.”
Acheampong’s ability to shine in so many positions will surely appeal to Liverpool, at a time when their lack of squad depth in certain areas feels bordering on alarming.
He has the ability to grow into a superb footballer as the years pass, and if the Reds were able to entice him away from Chelsea, he could prove to be a masterstroke of an addition over a long-term period.
