Liverpool can take advantage of Sadio Mane’s relationship to bring Kalidou Koulibaly to Anfield in the winter transfer market which will open in January 2021. Koulibaly can fill the void of center-back that the Reds are currently experiencing.
Jurgen Klopp’s squad is experiencing a central defender injury crisis. Joe Gomez was injured during training with the England national team during the international break.
The 23 year old player has undergone surgery. However, Liverpool management stated that Gomez would miss all Premier League matches 2020-2021.
Before Gomez, Liverpool’s mainstay center-back, Virgin van Dijk, had also been injured. The Dutch defender suffered a knee ligament injury due to a two-leg tackle by Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. As a result, Van Dijk had to be sidelined for at least nine months or until the end of the season.
Liverpool also lost Fabinho, who suffered a hamstring injury. The Brazilian midfielder was Van Dijk’s coating before stepping aside.
With Gomez, Van Dijk and Fabinho absent, Liverpool only have Joel Matip, the only senior center-back still fit after recovering from injury. Klopp will be counting on Rhys Williams, who is only 19 years old.
According to the Mirror report, Klopp is already planning to bring in players in January 2021. Schalke defender Ozan Kabak is reportedly on his radar, but the 20-year-old is considered a better fit for the long-term prospects.
Klopp is considered more suitable for bringing in experienced players. The name Koulibaly can be an option.
The Napoli star is considered one of the best defenders in Italy and Europe. He is known to be very close to his Senegalese teammate Mane. Therefore Liverpool can use Mane to seduce Koulibaly from anchoring at Anfield.
Mane and Koulibaly spent one season in the French team, Metz. The two then separated in 2012. Mane went to RB Salzburg, and Koulibaly to Belgian club Genk.
