Liverpool have been dealt a sickening blow against Qarabag, with Jeremie Frimpong forced off in the opening minutes with an apparent hamstring injury.
As if Arne Slot needed any more issues in his defence, Frimpong now looks like being out for significant time after limping off at the very early stages of the final Champions League tie of the league phase.
With Conor Bradley injured, and Joe Gomez too, it’s nothing short of a crisis at right-back.
Is Conor Bradley Liverpool’s long-term right-back?
“I know how good he is. I trust him to get the job done to help the team win the game.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold on Conor Bradley Oct’ 2024
With under a week left in the window, Liverpool need to act fast. Luckily, a target has already been identified.
Liverpool need to go all in for Givairo Read after Jeremie Frimpong injury
It’s not like the Reds won’t have a shortlist of potential signings at right-back.
Even before Frimpong went down, there was plenty of speculation that the position needed strengthening.
Feyenoord’s Givairo Read has been linked with Liverpool for ages, and it’s time they pulled the trigger on the 19-year-old.
He’s not of the level to be a regular starter for Liverpool yet, but he could for a stretch.
Read is the most valuable youngster outside of Europe’s top five leagues for a reason. He’s an attack-minded full-back who can play on both flanks, and he’s no slouch on the defensive end either.
Man City are interested in Read as well, and it would be nice to get one over on them for once.
Name a Liverpool transfer window worse than January 2026…
Liverpool are yet to sign a first-team player in January and have lost out on some big targets…
Liverpool’s season could be staked on getting a defender in this week
We’ve banged on for what feels like forever about the need for defensive signings.
Now, though, the squad has taken a battering. With Frimpong, Bradley, Gomez and Giovanni Leoni all sidelined, there’s no room for contingencies.
Slot had to play Ryan Gravenberch at centre-back against Qarabag. That should tell you everything you need to know.
The plan was not to make additions this window, but as the old adage goes: Adapt or die.
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