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Premier League champions Liverpool had prepared a shortlist of emergency right-back options and were ready to explore them before the January transfer window closed.
The Reds were seeking a player who can step in following Jeremie Frimpong’s injury, with Conor Bradley also sidelined after picking up a knock against Arsenal. While Dominik Szoboszlai is considered a temporary option, Liverpool preferred a more reliable solution and wanted clarity well before deadline day.
Arne Slot addressed the possibility of signing a right-back, claiming: “As a club, we always make decisions – what we think are smart decisions – not only in the short term but the long term, which is why we sign younger players. It always depends on whether there are players available that we think can help us.
“If there are, can we afford them. I just said that we don’t have a squad where we have four right-backs and 12 midfielders and three or four no.9s. That’s not how it works over here. So we have to do smart things for the near future, but also for the longer future.”
Liverpool are likely to target the right-back position in the summer, as Conor Bradley may not return until 2027 following serious bone and ligament damage to his knee earlier this month.
According to Tuttomercatoweb, Liverpool are monitoring AS Roma defender Zeki Celik as his contract approaches its June expiry. The 28-year-old has featured in 23 games this season, scoring four goals and occasionally filling in at centre-back.
Roma have tabled a three-year contract extension, but talks with Celik are described as “difficult,” and no agreement has been reached. Juventus have also been linked with the Turkey international, suggesting that competition for his signature could emerge. Liverpool have not yet made an official approach.
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