Liverpool should go for these five centre backs in January following Joel Matip’s injury setback

Following Joel Matip’s season-ending injury, Liverpool needs to have a strategy in place before the January transfer window opens.

Liverpool, who are presently leading the Premier League, will be looking to defend their crown and possibly win the competition outright. To defeat Manchester City and Arsenal and win the championship, they will obviously need to fill some holes in the team.

Liverpool needs to look to spend during the January transfer window on a top-notch centre defender. They cannot expect to play the second half of the season with just Joe Gomez, Virgil Van Dijk, and Ibrahima Konate as their only dependable central defenders because Joel Matip will be out for the remainder of the campaign due to an anterior cruciate ligament rupture.

Furthermore, Liverpool cannot afford to abuse Konate and Gomez due to their questionable fitness records. In light of this, The Hard Tackle examines five defenders that Liverpool ought to try to sign during the next transfer window.

Goncalo Inacio

This 22-year-old Sporting CP defender has been linked to a move to the Premier League, and other teams including Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester United, and Real Madrid have also expressed interest in him.

The Portuguese international, whose contract with Sporting CP has a €60 million release clause, would be the perfect defensive addition for Liverpool. Both a centre defender and a left back can be used by the 22-year-old.

He is the kind of adaptable central defender that Liverpool needs, and if necessary, he can also play in place of Andrew Robertson. However, the Merseyside team’s task of defeating teams like Chelsea, Manchester United, and Real Madrid will be difficult.

Jonathan Tah

The 27-year-old German international has established himself in the Bundesliga over the years, and Liverpool may find him to be a worthwhile addition. Tottenham, Chelsea, and Manchester United are also monitoring him.

The 27-year-old could end up being a wise addition because he possesses the physicality needed to thrive in English football. But since Bayer Leverkusen is vying for the championship in their own league, it is unlikely that they will allow him to leave in January.

The German international is a cheap target because he won’t set you back a bomb. However, given Bayer Leverkusen’s place in the Bundesliga, Liverpool might have to wait until the end of the campaign to sign someone like him.

Since Tah is currently at the height of his profession, he will want to push himself to the limit. He would advance in his career and have the opportunity to show off his skills in the Premier League if he joined Liverpool.

Lucas Beraldo

The 20-year-old Brazilian defender is well-liked in his native country and has been connected to several Premier League teams. Players in the Brazilian Serie A have an easy time moving in January because the league’s seasons run the full calendar year.

Without a question, Beraldo is a gifted young player with a bright future ahead of him. However, he is an unproven alternative, and Liverpool need a Premier League player who can go in and immediately make an impact.

The Reds would be wise to get him in the long run, and he might even end up being a good deal. The Merseyside team ought to prioritise aiming for more reputable choices in European football, though.

Maxence Lacroix

Liverpool has been keeping an eye on the VfL Wolfsburg defender for a while now. The Reds have reportedly been watching the Frenchman this season because boss Jurgen Klopp is an admirer of him.

Given that Wolfsburg is positioned in the middle of the table, making a play for Lacroix in January might make sense. He will find it fascinating to have the chance to join the Premier League team, and he will probably be tempted. Both in the short and long terms, he might be Joel Matip’s perfect replacement.

Jean-Clair Todibo

In recent weeks, teams like Manchester United and Tottenham have been linked to the 23-year-old French international defender. For the French team OGC Nice, he has been exceptional, and the Premier League clubs have taken notice of his performances. He might be a good Matip substitute for Liverpool.

With coaching and experience, the former Barcelona defender should be able to perform well in the Premier League because of his technical and physical skills. It can be difficult to decline the chance to sign with a major Premier League team, and the player will probably be drawn to the prospect of playing at Anfield.

Playing with Konate will only increase Todibo’s prospects of becoming a regular starter for the French national team, which is something he will want to accomplish in the meanwhile. It could be challenging to usurp Virgil van Dijk, though.

It’s unclear who Liverpool ends up with, as all four defenders—aside from Inacio—may be available in the coming months at inexpensive costs. For most players, they are a desirable destination that also fits their style of play.

Lacroix, Todibo, Inacio, Tah, and Beraldo are all excellent with the ball at their feet, and their ability to distribute the ball from the back makes them a great substitute for Joel Matip, who was a fantastic with his passing from the back