Arne Slot may look to make additions in defence this summer.placeholder image
Arne Slot may look to make additions in defence this summer. | Getty Images
One major concern sticks out for Liverpool as we approach the next summer transfer window.
Liverpool kept themselves in the race for the top four on Sunday as Alexis Mac Allister scored a stoppage-time winner at the second time of asking to sink Nottingham Forest.
In Vitor Pereira’s first match in charge, Forest battled hard but were undone by their visitors late on as a 1-0 victory represented Arne Slot’s first win against Forest during his time at Liverpool.
The Reds may be forced to go back to the drawing board in the summer after a poor showing in their title defence, currently 16 points behind leaders Arsenal despite a record-breaking £450million summer which was predicted to result in a strong title challenge once again. One of Liverpool’s main issues this season has been in defence, where a lack of options has plagued Slot amidst injuries at right-back and uncertainty over the future of Ibrahima Konate. With the Frenchman yet to sign a contract, summer alternatives should be a priority.
Liverpool transfer boost in pursuit of Zeki Celik
According to reports by The Mirror, Liverpool are targeting a move for Roma defender Zeki Celik this summer and have been given a major boost in their hopes of signing the Turk.
The ‘massive transfer boost’ comes after Celik’s agent ‘poured cold water’ over a prospective move to Juventus, with the 29-year-old out of contract at the end of the season and set to be available on a free transfer.
In addition to Juve, Premier League duo Liverpool and Manchester City have also been credited with an interest. Reports that Celik has agreed a deal to join Juventus have been shut down by the player’s agent, Fazil Ozdemir, leaving the door open for a move to England.
Ozdemir said: “The rumours that Zeki has reached an agreement with a club are not accurate. He currently plays for a major club, and it is natural that major teams in Italy and England would show interest in a player competing at this level and that his name would be associated with those clubs.
“His contract with Roma expires at the end of the season; however, he has great respect for the club. At this stage, he is not focusing on contractual or transfer matters. His full attention and commitment are focused on supporting Roma in achieving its objectives. We believe that all other matters will be addressed and resolved in due course, in a professional and respectful manner.”
Celik transfer would solve major defensive issue for Liverpool
Celik primarily features at right-back for Roma, while he is also capable of playing in the centre of defence and would offer depth across multiple positions for an elite side looking to challenge on all fronts.
Liverpool missed out on Marc Guehi in January and although they secured the future of young French centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, who will arrive this summer, the Reds could certainly do with another experienced option at the back to help them get back to their best next season.
Dominik Szoboszlai has often started at right-back amidst long-term absences of both Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong, with the pair appearing to be more injury-prone than Slot would like. While Ryan Gravenberch has at times stepped in at centre-back and Wataru Endo and Curtis Jones have filled in defensively when necessary, meaning that an experienced defender should be a priority for the Reds this summer.
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