New Liverpool chief executive Peter Moore attended his first meeting with the Premier League last month. Ordinarily, a recent appointment at one of English football’s biggest clubs would have been met with a welcoming handshake and customary small talk. Moore, however, was subjected to a much more difficult experience.
Just days before, Southampton had complained to the league body over Liverpool’s tapping up of Virgil Van Dijk, forcing the Merseyside club to publicly withdraw their interest in the Dutch defender. The Saints cited a meeting between Van Dijk and Jurgen Klopp in Blackpool, as well as texts between the two. Both Liverpool’s apology and Moore’s meeting in Harrogate were an exercise in keeping everyone sweet.
Indeed, Southampton didn’t take their complaint further, but speculation continues to swirl that Van Dijk remains Liverpool’s top transfer target this summer. Klopp needs a ball-playing centre back and the Dutch International fits the bill, with the Reds seemingly willing to pay upwards of £50 million to secure him.
But with every passing week, Liverpool are wasting time and effort. They need a central defender, regardless of whether or not it is Van Dijk. One must assume that a club of their stature have a contingency plan, and so with pre-season now underway and the 2017/18 campaign starting to appear on the horizon it’s time they put that plan into action.
This summer has been one of improvisation for many Premier League clubs. Look at how Manchester United switched focus from Alvaro Morata to Romelu Lukaku after being frustrated in their efforts to sign the former. Chelsea originally planned to make Leonardo Bonucci their first summer addition, but settled for German Antonio Rudiger.
Recent reports claim Dani Alves has chosen to join Paris Saint-Germain and so Manchester City will also need to adapt their plans as Pep Guardiola stocks up on full backs. This is the way of the transfer window in the modern game. Circumstances constantly change and clubs must react to that. Liverpool has so far failed to do that with regards to Van Dijk.
It matters not that the player himself seems intent on a move to Anfield, if Southampton refuse to budge then Liverpool must move on. Inigo Martinez is available for 30 million EUROS, with Manchester City reported to be interested in the Spanish international. He is just as comfortable on the ball as Van Dijk, with more experience at the top level of the game. They could make a move for him.
Kostas Manolas is thought to be itching for a move from Roma this summer having proved himself as one of the finest defenders in Serie A over the past few seasons. Barcelona and Real Madrid are also monitoring the Greek defender, but no solid offer has been made. Liverpool could jump to the front of the queue by making a formal bid.
The longer they wait, the more chance they stand of missing out on all available targets. Michael Keane has already signed for rivals Everton, with Victor Lindelof now a Manchester United player. Liverpool don't have the financial clout to pluck from the top shelf of the transfer market, with Moore staying that the Reds “won’t be spending £100m just because Manchester City has spent £100m,” but there can be no mistake that big money must be spent on the centre back they so desperately require.
The failure to secure Van Dijk is a serious set back for Klopp and Liverpool, but the failure to sign anyone at all would be catastrophic. Another season of Dejan Lovren alongside Joel Matip could see them lose significant ground on their rivals. Can the Reds continue to outscore opponents as they did last season? They have to count on it if they wait any longer.
