Liverpool and a defender chase – that’s like a match made in heaven this year. All through the summer, we were linked with the signing of Virgil van Dijk, which didn’t happen of course. And, ahead of the winter transfer window, it is no surprise that we have been linked with another potential defender signing!
According to well-known Italian journalist Tancredi Palmeri, the Reds are interesting in signing Atletico Madrid defender Sime Vrsaljko. The 25-year-old Croatian can play on either wing, as a fullback, and is currently out of favour at the Spanish side, under Diego Simeone.
I don’t know if he added two plus two or he had any other sources, Tancredi tweeted saying that the Anfield side have offered €28million for the out-of-favour fullback.
How credible is this report? Well, there have been reports earlier in the summer that we are interested in the defender although this is the first time that someone has indicated that there has been an official bid.
Vrsaljko is the backup for Juanfran at Atletico but has more ambitions than being just a backup player. He has made just three La Liga starts this term and that doesn’t bode well for someone who is looking for a bigger role and development.
He has already won 27 caps for his national team and has impressed whenever he has got a chance. However, he will not be someone to solve our defensive crisis.
I do not see Vrsaljko playing in the middle of the defence which is where our problems exist. There are suggestions that the arrival of the Croat at Anfield could push Joe Gomez to central defence, which has always been the long-term plan with the England international.
However, with Nathaniel Clyne already pencilled on that side, I am a little confused if this pursuit means there is something seriously wrong with the long-term future of Clyne at the club.
Having Vrsaljko will help move Gomez to central defence and bolster our team there but I have my doubts on that. Is the Atletico Madrid man better than Clyne? I doubt so.
