Liverpool have reportedly placed Napoli defender Sam Beukema on their radar ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Reds still have some uncertainty at centre-back, even with Ibrahima Konate looking set to stay at Anfield beyond this season. Liverpool have been looking regardless, with Marcos Senesi also linked as an option for Arne Slot’s squad.
However, Beukema may actually be the more interesting route to go down, especially given Slot’s long-term admiration for the Dutchman. He looks like the kind of signing who could strengthen the squad without needing years to settle.
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Arne Slot favourite Sam Beukema ‘firmly’ on Liverpool’s radar
According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool are keeping close tabs on Beukema ahead of the summer window. The report claims that Slot is a big admirer of the 25-year-old and that his interest goes back ‘several years’.
Slot is said to have tried to sign Beukema while he was at Feyenoord, and has has made his admiration known internally to the recruitment team.
Napoli are not actively looking to sell, with the player under contract until 2030. However, the report claims that offers in excess of £30m could be considered by the Serie A side.
Beukema has been a regular for Napoli this season, making 30 appearances in all competitions and playing in the Champions League. That will be appealing, because Liverpool already have young defensive options coming through.
Jeremy Jacquet is set to arrive from Rennes this summer, while Giovanni Leoni should be back for pre-season after recovering from a torn ACL. Both are exciting, but both are still young.
Liverpool cannot head into next season relying too heavily on potential, especially if there is any movement around Joe Gomez or Konate.
Even if the Frenchman does stay, Virgil van Dijk is now 34, and Liverpool need to start building a centre-back group that can withstand his inevitable departure.
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The errors are beginning to pile up…
At 25, Beukema is entering his prime years, already playing for a top European side, and clearly has qualities Slot has admired for a long time.
Senesi is a free transfer option for Liverpool, but Beukema feels like a cleaner fit. It might come down to what the funds are looking like after additions are made in other parts of the squad.
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