Liverpool have made contact with Sporting centre-back Jerry St. Juste over the possibility of a summer move to Anfield.
That’s according to Record, who report that the 26-year-old has put himself firmly on the Reds’ radar. His performances against Arsenal in this season’s Europa League have reportedly left potential suitors’ ‘mouths watering’ – including Liverpool.
This is said to have convinced the Reds to contact St. Juste and his representatives ahead of the summer market. It’s claimed that Liverpool have asked the Dutchman about his situation at Sporting and his ‘outlook for the future.’ Should they decide to take things further, St. Juste reportedly has a release clause of around £40m.
Liverpool look to address defensive decline
Liverpool have also been strongly linked with a move for St. Juste’s Sporting centre-back partner, Goncalo Inacio. Younger and with a far higher ceiling, that’s seemingly one that would make much more sense.
Having said that though, the former Netherlands U21 player would be a decent signing – at the right price. £40m sounds far too much, but if Liverpool could strike a decent deal, then why not?
It’s clear that they need defensive reinforcements next season. The midfield has taken a lot of the attention this campaign, but the defence has been almost as concerning.
Joel Matip is clearly in decline and needs replacing, while there are question marks over whether Joe Gomez is good enough. Virgil van Dijk has also been far from his imperious best.
So, seen through that view, there are plenty of players who could improve Jurgen Klopp’s options. Perhaps St. Juste is one of them.
He probably shouldn’t be brought it as a ‘first-choice’ player, but to add strength in depth could be equally important. For that, Liverpool shouldn’t trigger his release clause. But if they could haggle it down, maybe St. Juste would be a smart signing.
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