Liverpool’s backline is clearly in need of some reinforcements.
The Reds have let in far too many goals this season, conceding 20 already in the Premier League alone.
The worrying thing is that they do not have many options to solve this issue, which is why they are looking ahead to the January transfer window.
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Many names have been linked, specifically at centre-back, but they also have a bit of a problem at right-back too due to how injury-prone their options are.
That is why they have now identified a new target for this position, and he likes to get stuck in more than Virgil van Dijk.
AS Roma player Zeki Celik arrives at the stadium prior to the Serie A match between US Cremonese and AS Roma at Stadio Giovanni Zini
Photo by Fabio Rossi/AS Roma via Getty Images
Liverpool are interested in Zeki Celik
Due to frequent injuries to Conor Bradley and Jeremy Frimpong, signing another right-back might prove beneficial, especially in the short-term.
And although Zeki Celik might not ring a bell to many people, he could be the perfect signing for this exact scenario.
According to journalist Rudi Galetti, a number of top Premier League clubs have approached Celik in regard to a potential move, with Liverpool one of those interested.
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ð¨ð£ EXCL | Top English clubs have approached Zeki Çelik.
The 28yo RB has drawn interest from Man City, Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea.
His contract with AS Roma runs until June 2026: renewal talks are ongoing, but the ð¹ð· is in no rush to decide.
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— Rudy Galetti (@RudyGaletti) November 25, 2025
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The AS Roma defender has a contract until the summer, meaning clubs from outside of Italy can sign him on a pre-contract in January, which is why rumours are starting to pick up.
Man City, Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea are also said to be interested, and although Roma are in talks over a new deal for the 28-year-old, he is in no rush to decide his future just yet.
This is not usually a type of player the Reds would go for given his age, but based on how bad things are right now, a change in approach or short-term fix might be the best options.
Zeki Celik made more tackles than Virgil van Dijk last season
Celik is a very experienced defender who has done well wherever he has gone, but last season he caught the eye of many.
As per WhoScored.com, he averaged 1.8 tackles per game, which is much higher than van Dijk (0.3), with the Turkish international not afraid of putting his body on the line.
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He has played every game for Roma this season bar one due to suspension as well, even filling in at centre-back on multiple occasions.
This versatility is exactly what Liverpool need right now, suggesting that a January move, even though it may not be glamorous, might be incredibly astute.
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