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Liverpool’s summer transfer business is beginning to take shape, with several deals lined up as the club look to strengthen the squad for next season.
Andoni Iraola’s arrival has increased the emphasis on energy and pace to suit a high-pressing system, with Victor Munoz already secured from Osasuna after Liverpool triggered his release clause and agreed a six-year contract.
Alongside the arrival of Jeremy Jacquet, the Reds are continuing a clear strategy of investing in young talent for the long term, with further targets still under consideration.
According to The Athletic, Liverpool sent scouts to monitor Australia international Lucas Herrington in the Major League Soccer this season.
The 18-year-old, who currently plays for Colorado Rapids after joining from Brisbane Roar earlier this year, has attracted wider European interest, with Barcelona having already had an opening bid rejected.
Herrington is also part of Tony Popovic’s World Cup squad, although he was an unused substitute in Australia’s 2-0 win over Turkey.
He is viewed as one of the most promising young defenders in MLS and could be one of the next major exports from the league, following players such as Moïse Bombito, who recently joined Nice in a record MLS deal for a centre-back.
“He is an exceptionally talented young man with the world at his feet,” Rapids president Pádraig Smith told Yahoo Sports. “When our scouts identified him, and we began the recruitment process, we knew he had a high ceiling.”
Herrington has been among the standout young defenders in MLS this season, ranking fourth in clearances, sixth in shots blocked and 21st in aerial duels won.
He operates in a front-footed system that requires him to defend large spaces, while also contributing to build-up play through passing and occasional ball carrying.
Herrington is widely viewed as a high-upside centre-back with the attributes to succeed in Europe, and a move could come sooner rather than later, particularly if he impresses on the World Cup stage.