19 Nov 2015

Emergency Transfer? After massive £18m Liverpool 'loss', Jamie Carragher urges Klopp to sign new centre-back

With Mamadou Sakho, Joe Gomez, and Kolo Toure currently injured, Liverpool are down to just two senior centre-halves in the first team squad, and LFC legend Jamie Carragher believes that the Reds may have to remedy the situation in the January transfer window.

Discussing Liverpool's central defensive situation today, Carra hailed Sakho as 'one of the best performers this season', and admitted that he'll be a 'big loss' to the team. He further added:

"Klopp [may] need to bring a centre-back in because there aren't too many options in that position. Maybe that will be a position he looks at in January".

£18m Sakho is a quality defender, but he's increasingly injury-prone, and it's impossible to build a stable defensive unit around a regular sick-note. Since signing for Liverpool in 2013:

* 5 separate injuries (including the current knee issue).

* The other 4 injuries: 2 thigh injuries; 1 hip injury, and one hamstring injury.

* 200+ days out in just over two years as a Liverpool player (41 games missed).

* Averages only 24 games a season.

That said, I'd argue that bringing in a new centre-half is not an immediate priority, for the following reasons:

* Emre Can has played that role before, and if necessary, he can deputise.

* Klopp could promote players from the academy to provide cover. Possibilities include Daniel Cleary, Tom Brewitt and/or Kristoph Polgar.

Of course, if either Lovren or Skrtel sustains an injury in the coming weeks then the situation will become more urgent, but for now, Liverpool arguably have enough cover to make it through to the end of the season.

Author: Jaimie K


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