The clock is ticking for Liverpool. They’ve got just over two weeks to kickstart their summer business and solve Andoni Iraola‘s depth problem.
The former Bournemouth boss has arrived at an elite club, but has reportedly been forced to use assistant manager Tommy Elphick to boost his defensive numbers in training. As exciting as targets like Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye are, Liverpool desperately need a centre-back.
That is where Real Madrid come in. The Spaniards have taken their fair share of Liverpool stars over the years and could now be sending one back the other way in the form of Raul Asencio.
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Liverpool’s centre-back crisis |
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Virgil van Dijk |
For the next year, Liverpool will be able to rely on Virgil van Dijk. He’s set to be a constant starter once again, even at 35 years old and even as he enters the final year of his contract. He remains the most consistent part of the Reds’ backline. |
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Joe Gomez (injured) |
It’s Déjà vu for Joe Gomez. The centre-back role next to Van Dijk was up for grabs in pre-season, but injury has now struck. He’s now set to miss the start of the season. |
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Jeremy Jacquet (injured) |
The news doesn’t get much better for Liverpool. Jeremy Jacquet is also still injured after missing a fair share of the second-half of last season. He’s yet to feature in pre-season for Iraola’s side. |
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Giovanni Leoni (injured) |
As things stand, Van Dijk is the only senior centre-back available at Liverpool. Giovanni Leoni joined Jacquet and Gomez on the sidelines as he is still recovering from an ACL injury suffered last season. He’s expected back in September. |
It doesn’t get more urgent than that for Liverpool, who would be wise to listen to Real Madrid’s proposal.
Liverpool offered chance to sign Raul Asencio
As reported by TeamTalk, Liverpool have now been offered Asencio from Real Madrid. The central defender has been told that he’s not in Jose Mourinho’s long-term vision and agents have entered talks with those at Anfield as a result.
The Reds have the green light from Real Madrid and the agents, but the player himself still needs convincing. The 23-year-old reportedly has no desire to leave the Bernabeu this summer, despite Mourinho’s message.
Whether that stance will last the test of time remains to be seen. Iraola would certainly welcome the young Spaniard, given his centre-back crisis, with the report detailing the new Reds boss admires Asencio.
Liverpool alert as Newcastle open door for Nick Woltemade
From one end of the pitch to the other, Liverpool have also been put on red alert ahead of a potential move for Nick Woltemade. Newcastle United have told the £69m striker that he can leave the club on loan just 12 months on from his record arrival.
The German initially got off to an excellent start, but quickly found himself dropped back to central midfield, before struggling to find form. A move away could now be on the cards and Liverpool could be lurking to boost their own frontline in shock fashion.
