Liverpool ready to sign “exciting” Premier League star as Julian Ward drives move
Liverpool‘s search for reinforcements is producing fresh names well before the January window opens.
Liverpool’s transfer gossip gathers pace before January
Defensive additions have featured heavily in this week’s gossip, with one potential target giving the Reds an uncomfortable demonstration of his qualities.
Archie Brown scored and supplied an assist in Fenerbahçe’s 3-2 Champions League win over Liverpool, and TEAMtalk’s Graeme Bailey subsequently reported that interest in the left-back was increasing.
Liverpool had been assessing Brown, so his performance added to work carried out before the clubs met.
The 24-year-old has built his career abroad, playing in Switzerland and Belgium before joining Fenerbahçe, with Bailey also reporting that a Premier League move appeals to him.
Nnamdi Collins is another defender being watched, and Sports Mole reported on Friday that Liverpool, Chelsea and Man United are monitoring the Eintracht Frankfurt player.
His ability to cover the middle of defence and the right side makes him an interesting option for clubs looking to strengthen several positions.
Meanwhile, perhaps the main headline target is Liverpool’s reported interest in Chelsea defender Levi Colwill, who is also reportedly high on Barcelona’s watch list.
Julian Ward personally wants Bart Verbruggen at Liverpool
Attention is also turning to the position behind that back line.
According to Anfield Watch, Liverpool are ready to sign Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, with Julian Ward personally keen on bringing him to Anfield.
Ward is back as Liverpool’s sporting director after working as FSG’s technical director, and a decision over the next number one would be a significant piece of business under his leadership.
Anfield scouts are also believed to be very impressed by the ‘exciting‘ Seagulls ace, whom they believe could develop into a truly world-class goalkeeper.
The backdrop is Alisson’s uncertain future, with the Brazilian’s contract expiring at the end of the campaign and Liverpool examining possible replacements.
Verbruggen is only 24 and has already hit double digits with clean sheets across all competitions this season, with regular Premier League and international football behind him, giving interested clubs plenty to assess.
Liverpool must get the Alisson succession right
Alisson’s gloves will take some filling, whenever Liverpool decide the time has come.
Verbruggen’s proven experience in England and potential makes him a candidate worth examining very closely.
The assessment must cover more than clean sheets, though. Commanding the penalty area, choosing when to leave his line and staying composed after a mistake would all matter in such a demanding role.
There is also Giorgi Mamardashvili to consider.
Liverpool already have the Georgian on their books, so another major goalkeeper signing would raise a question about his place.
Ward would need to settle how the goalkeeping group should look before committing to another arrival, and that decision would affect playing time, spending and potentially further departures.
Verbruggen’s age offers the possibility of a goalkeeper who could stay for many seasons, and getting that choice right could spare Liverpool repeated uncertainty in a crucial position.
For now, his Premier League experience gives the recruitment team something concrete to work with.
