Liverpool are watching on as their Premier League rivals get to work in the transfer market.
The Reds are often quieter than many of the sides they are fighting with in England, so there’s not necessarily a problem there.
Liverpool are all about quality over quantity in the window and that’s a policy that has always served FSG well over the years.
Having said that, the Reds have also missed out on some top quality deals, too. Who can forget the debacle involving Moises Caicedo and Chelsea in 2023, for example.
Liverpool were left disappointed after Caicedo opted to choose a move to Stamford Bridge over Anfield. The Reds should remember that feeling and now inflict it upon Manchester United.
Liverpool should make Matthijs de Ligt move
Last year, Liverpool were going all out to get a top defensive midfielder through the door. That’s why the disappointment was so sharp over missing out on Caicedo.
This time, a new centre-back is the priority for Arne Slot. Liverpool need to add some reinforcement to their back line this summer.
So far, all manner of players have been linked with a move to Merseyside. For the time being, Riccardo Calafiori’s name is the hottest.
However, despite his availability, there is little to suggest that Liverpool are looking to rival Man United in their efforts to sign Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt. In our opinion, that is a mistake.
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It is surprising to see the Netherlands international available once again just two years on from joining Bayern. Back in 2022, De Ligt was reported to be a target for Liverpool.
Now, the Reds need for a centre-back is much greater. With journalist Ben Jacobs reporting that United are in discussions to sign the Dutchman for just £34m, there’s no excuse for Liverpool not to get involved.
Still yet to turn 25, De Ligt would be a bargain at that price. Yes, his wages may be on the high side, but Liverpool would be getting an elite option already perfectly capable of slotting in to the starting XI.
With Virgil van Dijk and two more colleagues from the Netherlands national team already at Anfield, not to mention a Dutch coach now in the dugout, De Ligt would be made to feel at home straight away.
Liverpool must have Matthijs de Ligt alternative
If Liverpool choose not to bring De Ligt in from Bayern – and it seems that they are going to pass up that chance – then they must have a good reason not to.
None of the options being mentioned in connection with the Reds are currently anything like as good as the former Ajax man.
They may get there in time, but De Ligt would be the best that’s out there on the market right now. Back during his time with Juventus, the 24-year-old was called a ‘phenomenon’ by Juve legend Sergio Brio [Sportskeeda].
As a result, you have to surmise that Liverpool have a top alternative potentially in place.
Calafiori would possibly get the fans’ vote right now, but the Reds hardly ever go for the obvious option. Could it be Odilon Kossounou, another to reportedly be on the shortlist?
Until Liverpool smooth it out, the chance to upset United and hijack their talks with De Ligt still dangles deliciously in front of them.
