Liverpool are going to sign a centre back in January. No matter how many times they tell us they’re weighing up whether it’s necessary and whether or not they can just wait – just don’t believe them, they’re going to sign a centre back in January. Liverpool have been linked with Dayot Upamecano and Perr Schuurs – who should they go for?
Liverpool and Upamecano
SportBILD reported recently that Liverpool could sign Dayot Upamecano for as cheap as £36.5m – his release clause.
Currently putting in commanding performance after commanding performance for RB Leipzig, the 21-year-old is one of the most highly rated young defenders in world football.
Although one lacklustre showing against Manchester United may have dented his reputation briefly, we don’t imagine the Reds recruitment team will be put off by one bad game.
He boasts an impressive passing range, a wealth of first team experience and pace to burn.
Liverpool and Perr Schuurs
The Mirror this weekend linked Liverpool with a move for Perr Schuurs of Ajax.
The outlet claimed that the Reds were impressed by his performance on the opening match day of the Champions League and as a result are weighing up a January swoop.
20-years-old, the centre back has established himself as a mainstay in the Dutch side’s defence this season.
Liverpool interest in Perr Schuurs comes as no surprise given that the club took him on trial when he was the 17-year-old captain of Dutch second tier side Fortuna Sittard.
Upamecano or Schuurs?
This is an incredibly hard one to call.
Liverpool signing Schuurs would secure a player more in the Virgil van Dijk mould physically. The Dutch youngster is taller and broader than his French counterpart.
Liverpool signing Upamecano would be an absolute bargain at just £36.5m. The Leipzig man also has more extensive first team experience in a tougher league.
However, the Reds’ scouts may be intent on bringing in Schuurs given that the club have been closely tracking him for some years now, as evidenced by his trial.
If size didn’t matter then we’d be choosing Upamecano every day. Though, if Schuurs proves with his regular game time that he dictate play from the back as well as continuing to win all of his one-on-ones then he could be the better option if the price is right.
We’re leaning towards Upamecano over Schuurs until we find out how much Ajax want for their young centre back.
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