£22m player set to leave his club, after being suggested as Virgil Van Dijk’s successor at Liverpool

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Liverpool’s search for a new left-sided centre-back may have just got a little more clear.

The Reds have reportedly been trying to find a player who can be a long-term successor for current captain Virgil van Dijk.

Back in the summer time, The Athletic detailed a list of players who Liverpool would be wise to look at to fill that slot. One of the six options put forward was Lens defender Facundo Medina. Left-footed, versatile and ball-carrying, you can see why Medina could be exactly what the Reds are looking for.

And according to a report from Football Transfers today, the 24-year-old is virtually certain for a move in 2024.

Having been a key player in Lens rise from Ligue 2 to Champions League, the French club are now said to have accepted that he’s ‘likely’ to leave at some stage next year.

With that in mind, it’s claimed that Medina has had ‘several meetings’ ahead of the January transfer window. There is reportedly interest from the Premier League, although no teams are explicitly mentioned. Lens are said to be looking for around £22m for the Argentine.

Medina on the market

As Liverpool continue to keep their options open in regards to a new defensive addition, Medina would be a really interesting option.

Standing at a smidgen over 6 foot tall, he isn’t anything close to Van Dijk in stature.

But if Liverpool are looking for a ball-playing option, the Argentina international could be right up their alley.

It’s also worth mentioning that Medina has filled in at left-back before, and can also play in a deeper lying midfield role.

With Trent Alexander-Arnold inverting from right-back, Liverpool are still working out how best to use their left-back. Andy Robertson was having a good season up until his recent injury, but he doesn’t look completely comfortable in a different role.

Kostas Tsimikas meanwhile seems destined for a back-up job.

So, if Liverpool are indeed intending to change the kind of profile they have at full-back, Medina might be a good choice. For the price quoted, the Reds couldn’t really go wrong.

He’d also be another South American for the likes of Alexis Mac Allister, Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz to befriend. A lot of positives, let’s see where he ends up.