Liverpool are prepared to go head to head with rivals Manchester United for the signing of Atletico Madrid centre-half Jose Gimenez in the summer.
Jurgen Klopp is reportedly interested in the pacy Uruguayan and a bid could be made in the upcoming transfer window, with rivals Manchester United also interested. There could be a potential tug of war between the traditional rivals for the 22-year old defender.
The youngster reportedly has a release clause in his contract, which is £39 million. However, both the clubs believe that they can land the defender at a lesser price than that. The centre-back would be worth that kind of money as the market has become inflated these days.
An investment on a centre-back seems necessary for Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp as they continue their hunt for more quality at the back. They have had to play Lucas Leiva at the heart of the defence and James Milner as a makeshift left-back.
Gimenez, on the other hand, has found himself down the pecking order this season, likely affecting his market value. He has featured just 9 times in the La Liga, starting just one game in the past two months, with Diego Godin and Stefan Savic being the preferred starters at the Vicente Calderon.
Gimenez being a strong and quick centre-back who is capable of operating in a high-intensity pressing system, would certainly be an interesting option for Klopp.
With Liverpool’s hold on the Champions League spot looking good with every passing week, they might be competing in 4 competitions next season and hence, they will surely need few additions in the summer in order to increase the squad depth
However, it would be a question of Atletico letting go of the player or not. If Atletico decide not to settle for anything less than the release clause, then Liverpool would have no option than to match the expectation and bid for £39 million.
Do you think Gimenez would be a good addition for Liverpool?
