Liverpool fans are still reeling following the £75m Virgil van Dijk signing, and rightly so.
The Dutchman will arrive on January 1 and hopefully make his debut against Everton in the FA Cup.
That means the previously lacklustre centre-back options of Dejan Lovren, Ragnar Klavan and Joel Matip will be bolstered by a potentially world-class operator.
SEE MORE:
The truth and the background behind the Virgil van Dijk saga…
(Here’s hoping, anyway!)
But the word is Jurgen Klopp wants another central defender – obviously influenced by some of the shambolic backline mistakes we’ve made this season – Sevilla and Tottenham the most notable.
According to our sources, Klopp is very keen on FC Basel’s Manuel Akanji. The Swiss centre-back is 22-years-old and has excelled in the Champions League this year; set to take on arguably Europe’s best side, Manchester City, in the New Year.
Goal journalist Ronan Murphy, who knows what he’s talking about, suggests the starlet will cost over €30m – but he’d likely arrive in summer 2018 if a deal is on the table.
Bild is reporting that Basel are looking for far more than €30m for Manuel Akanji. Could be a stumbling block for Liverpool or possibly Borussia Dortmund. #LFC #BVB
— Ronan Murphy (@swearimnotpaul) December 29, 2017
Having been linked with Akanji, we’ve watched about as many highlights as possible of the youngster and can conclude that he looks the business.
But then again, so did Assaidi based on YouTube compilations…
Liverpool’s interest is real, and based on what we just paid for van Dijk, if Klopp really wants Akanji, Basel will likely sell.
The German is taking ruthless action to fix our often criticised defence.