Liverpool are slowly walking into another centre-back crisis after frustrating Fabrizio Romano update - opinion
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Liverpool are running the risk of creating problems for themselves at centre-back as they look likely to miss out on two top targets.With Ibrahima Konate more and more likely to leave on a free transfer, the Reds need to replace him with a ready-made, elite centre-back who can immediately step in to partner Virgil van Dijk.However, Saturday brought disappointing news that Nico Schlotterbeck is set to renew his contract with Borussia Dortmund, and journalist Fabrizio Romano has compounded the frustration by reporting that another potential Liverpool target, Alessandro Bastoni, is firmly on course for Barcelona. Rate Arne Slot’s second season as Liverpool head coach Can anyone make a serious argument for higher than a C? 😶 Photo Credit: Getty Images/Carl Recine Barca step up Bastoni chaseLiverpool have been linked with a move for Bastoni this summer as he looks to leave Inter, and the Italian would arguably offer the highest quality replacement for Konate.Speaking on his YouTube channel late on Saturday evening, though, Romano confirmed that things are beginning to get serious between Bastoni and Barcelona, with Liverpool nowhere to be seen.“Barcelona are seriously in for Alessandro Bastoni,” says the transfer expert.
“There is already a conversation ongoing, initial talks I would say, between Bastoni’s camp and Barcelona. Some conversations already took place, Barcelona are working on the Bastoni deal on the player side.” Photo by Tommaso Fimiano/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty ImagesREAD MORE: Liverpool ready to explore move for ‘spectacular’ Barcelona defender this summer“It’s a very strong interest and for sure the deal, on the player’s side, is on.”Romano goes on to say that though it is ‘too early’ to say whether Inter will entertain offers for Bastoni – and how much the price of a deal may cost – it is clear that Liverpool need to act now or risk missing out on a player who could offer the most immediate fix to their centre-back worries.Liverpool must have another planLiverpool have been at pains to point out that they have recently been targeting younger players who can grow with the club and stay for a long number of years.That is why they signed Jeremy Jacquet, and although some may see the 20-year-old as a direct replacement for Konate, this would be a risk on Liverpool’s part.Soon to turn 27, Bastoni would not really fit into this strategy, but if the Reds want to make sure they are fully covered after Konate’s exit, they really need to bring in a more experienced defender as well as Jacquet.
Liverpool can only sign ONE England star – who gets your vote Anthony Gordon or Morgan Rogers… Photo Credit: Getty Images/Eddie Keogh/The FA/Michael Regan Giovanni Leoni is coming back from injury, but after such a lengthy absence it is difficult to say how long the Italian will take to reach an appropriate level.Joe Gomez is still around but cannot be trusted as a regular partner for Van Dijk, meaning Liverpool would be relying on two very young defenders, and one decidedly veteran option, to get them through the season.A player like Bastoni, or indeed Schlotterbeck, would complete Arne Slot’s options and give fans confidence that they are well covered for the present and the future. Failure to get either will not be a disaster if Liverpool can plug the gap with another similar option.