Liverpool need to find themselves a new central defender in the transfer market.
The general consensus is that the Reds did good business during this year’s summer window. But with the midfield sorted out, many felt they could still do with another centre-back.
Someone who clearly subscribes to this view is former Liverpool captain Graeme Souness. Speaking to Mirror Football today, Souness suggested that his old club could do with a new defender to replace the injury-prone Joel Matip.
“I’d like to see them get another central defender,” said the pundit. “Matip can’t keep himself fit for a long hard Premier League year.
“And I think another central midfielder. I think the money they’ve paid would suggest Endo is a stop-gap.”
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Souness urges Matip replacement
It really seems as though the whole world and his dog can see that Liverpool have left themselves dangerously short at centre-back.
The whole world that is, apart from Jurgen Klopp and Jorg Schamdtke.
It isn’t controversial to claim that Matip won’t manage a full season fit this year. The 32-year-old has been a superb servant to Liverpool, but has long been creaking.
Nevertheless, Big Joel has so far stepped up admirably during the current campaign. Forced to start the past two Premier League games, the £140k-a-week man will have to go again next time out against Wolves, too.
With an international break in-between the three fixtures, that shouldn’t take too much of a toll on Matip.
But if Ibrahima Konate is out for much longer, Liverpool fans will unfortunately start to worry that a new injury isn’t too far away.
It will be a sad day when Matip finally moves on. He’s a great character and a terrific defender on his day, but the Reds do need to listen to Souness here. We need a more reliable option.