Liverpool have now turned their attention to signing a senior right-back in the summer transfer window, according to a report published this morning.
Midfield has been much-cited as a priority position at Anfield in the upcoming market, with a wide net also seemingly being cast for centre-back reinforcements.
However, another position is now on the agenda for FSG during the off-season, according to Football Insider.
They’ve reported that Jurgen Klopp wants to bring in a new right-back this summer due to the manager’s eagerness to continue utilising Trent Alexander-Arnold in the more advanced inverted full-back role he occupied in the Reds’ last two matches against Arsenal and Leeds.
In turn, the German is seeking the addition of another full-back so that the 24-year-old can be kept in his new position.
Even before Trent’s recently revised brief, it would’ve been advisable for Liverpool to consider adding to their right-back ranks over the summer.
As per Transfermarkt, the only other natural option in that role is Calvin Ramsay, the Scottish youngster who’s made just two senior Reds appearances and is currently sidelined with a long-term injury (LFC official website).
There are other players in the squad – such as Joe Gomez and James Milner – who can deputise on the right of defence if needed, but it’s not an ideal scenario to pull either of them out of their more customary positions.
Reported transfer target Jurrien Timber can play at right-back but is more at home centrally, and with Liverpool currently well-stocked in the latter area, their objective should be to sign an established player who operates primarily as a right-sided defender.
Trent has flourished in his inverted full-back role so far, so it’d make perfect sense to keep him in that position and look at bringing in a more ‘conventional’ right-back in the summer.
I respectfully disagree on the status of the center backs. Big Virg is not getting younger, Matip may be on his way out. That leaves JoGo and Konate. Nat Phillips wii get sold, not sure the academy has anyone league ready.