Calvin Ramsay is the only name on Liverpool’s list of possible additions at right-back this summer.
That’s according to journalist David Lynch. Writing for liverpool.com, Lynch claims that Liverpool ‘won’t necessarily’ look for an alternative if they miss out on Ramsay.
The Reds ‘remain keen’ on the 18-year-old, who it’s claimed could be available for £5m. However, Liverpool are also aware of interest from Leeds United and Bologna.
Ramsay could reportedly pursue a move for greater game-time elsewhere. Should that be the case, it’s claimed that Liverpool will again lean on Joe Gomez as back-up to Trent Alexander-Arnold.
It’s said to be ‘likely’ that Neco Williams will be granted a move away, leaving Gomez as the first-choice back-up.
Solving the right-back puzzle
Liverpool’s back-up right-back position is in many way akin to that of a second-choice goalkeeper. Nobody is getting past Alexander-Arnold any time soon.
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For that reason, it makes it a very difficult position to plan for. Unlike that of a back-up ‘keeper, the reserve right-back is bound to see a fair chunk of action in a season.
Take last season for example. Trent played 47 out of 63 games, starting all of them. That’s an excellent tally for the 23-year-old but it does mean there were 13 times he wasn’t on the pitch.
When Liverpool are fighting on all fronts, those 13 games can make a massive difference. The drop off in quality can’t be too big or it could cost The Reds dearly.
Gomez the man for the job
According to Lynch, Liverpool are making sorting out Gomez’s contract ‘a priority’ this summer.
That seems a little strange given that he has two years still to run. Liverpool have five players with deals set to run out a year before then, and those are players who play much more than the 25-year-old.
There has been a lot of speculation that the England international could leave Anfield this summer though. Maybe it’s wise to tie him down in-case the plan to sign Ramsay falls through.
If The Reds do fail to secure the talents of Ramsay, it sounds like Gomez could be in-line for more minutes at right-back next season.
It isn’t his favourite position by any means. But he seems to have really improved in the role over last year. Whether it’s Gomez or Ramsay, or even Williams, Liverpool look to be in good hands.