Liverpool are in the market for an experienced centre-back to join their ranks after losing Ibrahima Konate on a free transfer this summer.
The French defender has joined Real Madrid, following Trent Alexander-Arnold in making a free-agent move to Spain, which now leaves Liverpool needing a replacement without a transfer fee to offset the cost involved.
Konate was error-prone, but his exit will still leave a sizeable hole in Andoni Iraola’s squad which now needs to be sorted.
Reporting for TEAMtalk, Graeme Bailey reports that Liverpool could move to sign John Stones to fill this gap although a number of issues may present themselves in this venture.
Bailey reports: “Liverpool are actively exploring the market for an experienced centre-back after Andoni Iraola made it clear he wants greater defensive depth before the new season gets underway, TEAMtalk understands.
“Sources have confirmed to us that the Reds’ new head coach has highlighted central defence as a priority after a disrupted start to pre-season exposed the club’s lack of senior options.
“That has prompted the club to step up work on potential additions, with England internationals John Stones and Ezri Konsa both under serious consideration. Stones is viewed as an especially attractive option after becoming a free agent following his departure from Manchester City.
“Stones would be open to discussing a move to Anfield, although he is also holding conversations with Arsenal and Chelsea as he weighs up the next step in his career. Konsa has also emerged as a genuine option. Arsenal remain keen on Konsa, but Liverpool have now entered the picture as they assess multiple defensive targets.”
Konsa would be preferable but Stones is an interesting link
While I would personally prefer Konsa because of age and his superior luck with injuries, Stones would be an astute signing given he would arrive for free just as Konate left for free.
His injury record, however, means he is a risk. Given that Joe Gomez is unreliable given his own poor luck with injuries, Liverpool would be taking a gamble with Stones.
There is no denying the Englishman’s talent, however, and he would make for a fantastic partner for Virgil van Dijk. It wouldn’t be a totally cheap deal, given that Stones has been earning around £250,000 a week with City and would hope for more or the same to join Liverpool.
Michael first started supporting Liverpool after Istanbul in 2006. He has since followed the Reds with passion and curiosity, founding Rousing the Kop, Anfield Central while briefly co-owning Anfield Watch. Michael lives in Cape Town, South Africa.