Virgil Van Dijk injury will 'galvanise' Liverpool says Andy Dunn
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has been warned he would be “daft” not to sign a centre-back this summer to replace Virgil van Dijk following the defender's likely season-ending injury he suffered in the Merseyside Derby.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp warned over 'daft' transfer decision ahead of January window (Image: GETTY)
With the Reds short of options at the back currently, Klopp has been tipped to dip into the January transfer market to find a replacement.
Joel Matip and Joe Gomez are currently Liverpool’s only senior centre-backs available, with the club having sold Dejan Lovren in the summer transfer window.
Klopp has been able to manage in recent games, with Fabinho filling in at the back having dropped down from midfield.
The Brazilian, who plays in a defensive role in the midfield, impressed against Ajax last week and then put in a solid performance against Sheffield United.
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Once Matip is back from his slight knock, he will likely take back his place in the side from Fabinho, but Klopp has reportedly started looking around for a new option in the January transfer window.
Dayot Upamecano of RB Leipzig was reportedly set to be one of Liverpool’s targets for next summer, but now club chiefs could bring forward the bid until this January.
Klopp is said to have asked for the French youngster in the previous window only to be denied the move due to a lack of funds.
But former Premier League defender Danny Mills believes Liverpool have no option but to sign a new defender this January.
Speaking to Football Insider, he explained that the Premier League champions need to add someone with quality in order to make it worthwhile going into the market.
“Liverpool would be daft not to add strength to the centre-half position,” Mills said.
“It is vitally important that they sign someone in January.
“It is something they need to do to make sure that they have got enough cover and experience to challenge on as many fronts as they can this season.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp warned over 'daft' transfer decision ahead of January window (Image: GETTY)
“They have some good young players but you need quality in that position. You need real quality.
“It would be daft not to go into the transfer market and sign a defender.”
However, Kevin Phillips believes the boss should play Jordan Henderson at the back instead of buying a replacement.
He explained that the midfielder has all the attributes required to fill in for Van Dijk.
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