John Barnes explains why Liverpool don’t need Josko Gvardiol this summer

Liverpool icon John Barnes says the club doesn’t need Josko Gvardiol

Following a string of poor performances, both Joel Matip and Joe Gomez stand linked with a move away from Liverpool at the end of the season and amid the same reasons, the Reds saw themselves linked with a move for RB Leipzig’s Croatian centre-back Josko Gvardiol.

The pair of Liverpool defenders have been in shocking form this season, and it is disheartening to see it as they were both in fine form just last season, especially Matip who sort of reinvented himself after his frequent injury issues.

A number of centre-backs including Gvardiol still stand linked with the Reds, but there have been doubts about whether Liverpool actually need a new centre half even though we have players in that department. Former Red John Barnes says we do not need another CB.

Barnes is of the belief that the Reds have enough strength in their squad at least in the centre-back positions and here is his take on whether or not the Reds should pursue their interest in Gvardiol as he told BonusCodeBets via Liverpool Echo:

“Josko Gvardiol was very good at the World Cup but I don’t necessarily think that we need him right now. We have Joe Gomez, Ibrahima Konate, Joel Matip, Virgil van Dijk and they are very good players. So, it’s not at the centre-back position that we need new players.”

“He (Gvardiol) would be a very good addition. He has a lot of qualities and he is strong. He is a fantastic player who is very agile and mobile.”

“I think he would be able to do a good job for Liverpool. But again, we can’t rely on individual quality. Even if we bring new players in, the team has to make them look good and not the other way around.”

Do we need a centre-back?

It is easy to understand where Barnsey comes from. But as earlier mentioned, the form of a few players including the likes of Gomez and Matip is a major question mark. Moreover, the likes of Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams are far from being around the starting XI at the moment.

So much so that this could be Phillips’ final season for the Reds and Williams could see himself out on another loan spell sooner than later. The truth is, the Reds might actually need the services of a top centre-back who could provide strong depth, and also be a long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk.

Gvardiol is a talented young defender who has already shown his potential at RB Leipzig, and his signing would undoubtedly bolster Liverpool’s defensive depth.

However, there are concerns about Gvardiol’s price tag, and Liverpool could look towards more affordable options like Max Kilman who is also a reported transfer target for the Reds. Kilman has been impressive for Wolverhampton Wanderers and could be a shrewd signing for the Reds.

More Liverpool News

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• Liverpool will seek summer move for Celta Vigo star Gabri Veiga
• Chelsea to demand around £60m-£70m for Liverpool target Mason Mount

In conclusion, while John Barnes’ comments are valid, Liverpool must consider their depth options and make smart signings to maintain their success on the field.