Liverpool are reportedly pushing hard in their efforts to complete the signing of an “elite” central defender in the summer transfer window.
The Reds have already signed Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen, and the hope is that it is just the start of their summer transfer business.
Milos Kerkez looks almost certain to come in from Bournemouth, while most excitingly, Liverpool are increasingly likely to snap up Leverkusen superstar Florian Wirtz in a stunning club-record transfer.
A new centre-back wouldn’t go amiss for the Reds, with added competition not a bad thing, especially if Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate pick up an injury next season.
According to A Bola [via Sport Witness], Liverpool are “very attentive” to Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande, with the Portuguese side demanding around £51m for his services.
Crystal Palace and Manchester United are also thought to be in the mix to sign the 21-year-old, and it is claimed that one of the clubs could submit an offer in the next week.
A perfect Gomez and Quansah upgrade for Liverpool
If Liverpool managed to sign Diomande, it could be a significant piece of business, not just for the present but also in terms of the long-term future.
At 21, he could be considered the natural heir to Van Dijk at the heart of the Reds’ defence, with football talent scout Jacek Kulig lauding his qualities, saying:
“You rarely see a player with such high ball-playing and pure defender skills. There are some tactical improvements but I’m quite sure this kid will play for the best teams in the world. The signs of elite talent.”
While Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah remain good squad options for Liverpool, finding an upgrade this summer would be perfect, ensuring Arne Slot’s squad depth is even more formidable.
Diomande could come in as a backup to Van Dijk and Konate, but also put pressure on them for playing time, allowing Slot to rotate more often and ensure his first-choice centre-backs aren’t overplayed.
Admittedly, £51m is far from cheap, but given the eight-cap Ivory Coast international’s potential, it could end up looking like a bargain as time passes.
