Liverpool are reportedly ready to advance their interest for a highly-rated defender viewed as the ideal replacement for Virgil van Dijk.
Although Liverpool had a slow start to the summer transfer window, they ended it actively by signing Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili and Federico Chiesa. Some fans were unhappy, though, as the team did not acquire a new centre-back to replace club icon Joel Matip, who left as a free agent at the end of last season.
Recent reports suggest that Liverpool have now pinpointed their primary target for the centre-back position and are ready to intensify their efforts. Spanish outlet Fichajes reports that Liverpool are considering a move for Loic Bade, with sporting director Richard Hughes reportedly maintaining a strong interest in bringing him to Anfield.
The 24-year-old, who had a loan stint at Nottingham Forest, has been impressive with La Liga’s Sevilla, where he has made 63 appearances since joining in 2023.
Securing a deal for the French defender will be challenging, as Sevilla is reportedly unwilling to accept anything below his release clause, which is set at €60 million. Additionally, Liverpool faces competition from other major clubs, including Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, who are also interested in the talented defender.
Virgil van Dijk, who joined Liverpool from Southampton in January 2018 for a then-record fee of £75 million, has become one of the club’s all-time greats. As the current captain, he has made 267 Premier League appearances, keeping 105 clean sheets and scoring 22 goals.
With his contract expiring at the end of this season and no extension in sight, it makes sense for sporting director Richard Hughes to consider potential replacements. However, Van Dijk recently indicated during international duty that he would like to extend his time at Anfield, which could reduce the urgency of finding a replacement.