Image Credits: Imago Images
Richard Hughes’ toughest challenge at Anfield so far has been identifying a long-term successor to Trent Alexander-Arnold. He initially placed his trust in Conor Bradley, and that decision looked justified, but the right-back has since been plagued by injuries.
Jeremie Frimpong has faced similar fitness issues and, under Arne Slot, is often used further forward rather than at right-back. As a result, Alexander-Arnold’s long-term heir remains undecided, but this summer could offer Liverpool the perfect opportunity to finally address the position.
Bradley is unlikely to be fit for the start of pre-season, while Joe Gomez could depart on a permanent deal, leaving very limited cover on the right side of defence.
Although Dominik Szoboszlai is viewed as a capable emergency option, it is not a solution Liverpool would want to rely on regularly. The Reds were linked with a winter move for Denzel Dumfries of Inter Milan, while their late-January pursuit of Lutsharel Geertruida ended in disappointment after the defender opted to remain at Sunderland for the remainder of the season.
Another name now attracting interest is Roland Sallai of Galatasaray. The versatile right-back, who can also play in attack, has registered one goal and six assists in 33 appearances this season.
Sallai’s father, Tibor Sallai, has spoken publicly about the potential move, telling Blikk that Liverpool “could be” the Hungarian’s next destination and claiming that “contact has already been made” between the club and the player.
“Roli feels good here. He loves the club (Galatasaray), he doesn’t want to leave at any cost, but I think he still has one big step left in his career, a really big club,” said Tibor Sallai.
“From here, he can only sign for a team that is truly one of the top teams in the world. Liverpool could be such a destination, and I admit, I wouldn’t be surprised if this club change happened now. I know that contact has already been made through a management office.
“I don’t want to, and I don’t want to shout anything, but my son will really have a good chance in the summer. It wouldn’t be just any moment if Liverpool were to run out onto the Anfield Road turf with three Hungarians in the starting lineup.”
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