Liverpool FC expert Neil Jones has provided some exclusive insight into some names who could be on the club’s list of defender targets this summer, whilst also picking out some options he’d like to see join, even if one or two of them might be a tad unrealistic.
Speaking exclusively to CaughtOffside for the latest edition of his Daily Briefing column, Jones suggested that names such as Chelsea’s Levi Colwill, Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Willian Pacho are of genuine interest to the Reds.
On top of that, there’s also Benfica centre-back Antonio Silva, who is also on Manchester United’s list, according to Fabrizio Romano, so that could be an interesting saga to follow if it turns into a battle between these two old rivals, and indeed any other top clubs.
Jones went on to say that he has a few names of his own that he’d like to see at LFC, with Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite one player he likes, though he concedes it’s an unrealistic option due to the rivalry between the two clubs.
Barcelona wonderkid Pau Cubarsi is another player Jones likes, and he admits it might be worth keeping an eye on his future due to the Catalan giants’ financial problems.
Liverpool’s centre-back transfer targets and Jones’ dream options
“It is clear to me that Liverpool need to sign a centre-back this summer. The emergence of Jarell Quansah has been one of the big positives of this season, but the likely exit of Joel Matip in the summer and the fact that Joe Gomez has been used almost exclusively as a full-back for the past 18 months means that there is too much dependence on Virgil van Dijk, and on Ibrahima Konate, whose fitness record is questionable and whose form has been mixed in this campaign,” Jones said.
“Another option there is essential, for my money. We know that Levi Colwill and Piero Hincapie are two players that have been admired in the past, and that Antonio Silva of Benfica is another. Recent links to Willian Pacho have substance, too.
“I like Jarrad Branthwaite at Everton a lot, but I’d suggest that’s a no-go given the two clubs’ relationship! Personally, I’d be amazed if all of Europe’s top clubs are not looking at Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsi right now. He looks a superstar in the making, to me, and though the Catalans don’t tend to sell La Masia products, their messy financial situation might make it a little easier to force their hand here.
“At 17, the sky is the limit for that lad.”