Liverpool transfer news: £50m Aston Villa star tipped to solve Anfield defensive problem
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Liverpool's search for defensive reinforcements has already sparked plenty of debate following Ibrahima Konate's departure to Real Madrid, and former Reds defender Jason McAteer believes Aston Villa star Ezri Konsa should be at the top of the shortlist.Speaking to PariruIX, McAteer argued the England international possesses the experience Liverpool need rather than another developing talent."When Virgil van Dijk leaves you don't want someone who is still of that young mould. You want someone who has experience, who takes over from Virgil van Dijk and can nurture the younger player when he comes into the team, so Konsa would be a great acquisition for me."Jason McAteerIt is easy to understand why the 28-year-old has earned that backing.Since arriving from Brentford following Aston Villa's promotion in 2019, Konsa has been one of the Premier League's most dependable defenders.
Across seven seasons he has remained a constant while Villa climbed from relegation candidates to regular European qualifiers, featuring heavily in campaigns that have seen the Midlands club qualify for both the Champions League and Europa League.His durability is arguably his greatest asset. Last season may have been the strongest of his career.SC Freiburg v Aston Villa FC - UEFA Europa League Final 2026 | Neville Williams/GettyImagesVilla lifted the Europa League with Konsa playing a pivotal role, keeping seven clean sheets in 12 European appearances and remarkably scoring in both legs of the quarter-final against Bologna.
He even found the net in a thrilling 6-4 victory over France in the bronze-medal match, while Thomas Tuchel's decision to deploy him at right-back against Norway further demonstrated his versatility.Those qualities would naturally appeal to Andoni Iraola.Under the Spaniard's management and the aggressive pressing style he wishes to implement, centre-backs must be capable of defending huge spaces behind an advanced defensive line. The stumbling block, however, is the price.Aston Villa v AFC Bournemouth - Premier League | Naomi Baker/GettyImagesMcAteer suggested Villa could demand around £80 million, but that figure would run completely against Liverpool's long-established recruitment model.The Reds have rarely spent significant money on players aged 28 or older.