Liverpool are due to target a new centre-back during the upcoming transfer window.
The Reds haven’t made a signing in the back line for three years, when they brought in Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig.
Konate had been targeted by Jurgen Klopp as the perfect addition to fill the gap left by Dejan Lovren at the end of the title-winning 2019/20 season.
However, the problem was that the Frenchman was not available until summer of 2021. Liverpool were going to have to make do for a full season with just three centre-backs.
Inevitably, crisis ensued. By December, all three of Joel Matip, Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez had been ruled out for the season. Something had to be done in January, and so Liverpool adopted a scatter-gun approach.
David Carmo dominates Europa Conference League final
There were all sorts of centre-backs being linked with Liverpool during the New Year’s window of 2021.
Perr Schuurs was a name regularly filling the gossip columns, while Duje Caleta-Car claimed he was at the airport waiting for the go-ahead to fly to Liverpool.
Another who was very heavily linked was then Braga defender David Carmo. Just 21 at the time, Carmo looked like a real prospect coming out of Portugal.
The Reds seemed to have been at least someway convinced, with then manager Carlos Carvalhal later claiming that the Angola international had ‘one foot in Liverpool.’
In the end, one foot did not become two, and Carmo instead left to join Porto in summer 2022. Things didn’t go well for him at the Dragao though, and he was farmed out to Olympiacos on-loan last January.
Now though, Carmo has finally had his moment. A key player for the Greek side since his move, the 24-year-old dominated Wednesday night’s Europa Conference League final win over Fiorentina.
As per Fotmob, Carmo had an impressive game. Registering 100% in tackles won, 75% aerial duel success, four blocks and four clearances, Carmo kept Fiorentina at bay over 120 minutes. After a tumultuous few years, he couldn’t hold back the tears at the final whistle.
David Carmo should be back on Liverpool’s radar
Just as they were in 2021, Liverpool are once again in the market for a new defender. This time, it’s unlikely that Carmo will feature towards the top of their list.
Nevertheless, the Porto man has just sent a big reminder of what he can do. Still only 24, Liverpool should be watching how he gets on back at his parent club.
We’re not saying that Carmo could necessarily be a starter for the Reds. But as a good option in the first-team squad, he may be worth another look.
Van Dijk is not getting any younger while concerns over Konate’s injury record still remain.
Having a quality option like Carmo to come in and provide help when needed would be a big boost for the Reds.
He cost Porto just £17m in 2022. As a cheaper, squad type option, we think Carmo’s just proven he could still do a job.