Liverpool to target defensive reinforcements this summer

Liverpool will look to build on their Carabao Cup final victory when they face Southampton in the FA Cup on Wednesday. 

The Reds triumphed over Chelsea at Wembley courtesy of Virgil van Dijk’s header deep into extra time, after the two sides had played out a goalless draw.

Manager Jurgen Klopp lifted the eighth trophy of his Liverpool career on Sunday, but the German will be keen to add to his trophy cabinet further before departing Anfield this summer.

In the meantime, it has emerged that those in charge of the club have a transfer plan in place for Klopp’s departure.

According to Football Insider, the Merseyside club are set to prioritise defensive signings during the upcoming transfer window.

Last summer Liverpool spent significant sums of money to rebuild their midfield almost entirely.

Klopp is set to depart Liverpool at the end of the current season

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita, and James Milner all departed the club when their contracts expired at the end of last term, while both Jordan Henderson and Fabinho were sold to Saudi Arabian clubs.

Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Wataru Endo and Dominik Szoboszlai all arrived at Anfield, completing Klopp’s midfield overhaul.

Now, those in charge of Liverpool’s recruitment will look to bolster their backline in the wake of Klopp’s imminent departure.

Centre-back Joel Matip, who is currently out injured with a serious knee injury, is set to be out of contract at the end of the current campaign and is likely to depart.

Fellow central defender Joe Gomez has also suffered with injuries of his own in recent seasons, and the report suggests that Liverpool will therefore look to add at least one centre-back to their ranks.

In recent months, youngsters such as Conor Bradley and Jarrell Quansah have been involved with the first team.