Liverpool are now reportedly readying a stunning £70m move to sign another key Newcastle United star not long after swooping in to sign Alexander Isak in the summer.
Those at Anfield were in a ruthless mood in the summer, but that ruthlessness is yet to show itself on the pitch. Liverpool have been inconsistent champions after transforming their squad and only just turned their fortunes around after six losses in seven games. Arne Slot will be hoping that midweek victory over Real Madrid is enough to get his side going again, however.
With Manchester City up next, the Reds have the chance to end a much-needed week of wins in style, whilst also sending quite the statement. Slot knows a trip to the Etihad is rarely without its complications though, and has been full of praise for Pep Guardiola’s side in the build-up.
“So, a very interesting game to look forward to because when I wasn’t working here and when I was in Holland I did know when City v Liverpool was or when Liverpool v City was, and I could tell you I was 100 per cent sure in front of my television when this game was there.
“Similar to the Clasico, by the way, but these are the few games everyone is looking forward to and if you are not part of it, you are looking forward to it as well.”
Liverpool are also aiming for three-straight clean sheets in what would represent their recent turnaround from initial defensive vulnerability. Achieving that up against one of, if not the best striker in the world in Erling Haaland would give that back four all the confidence they need.
That said, even after recent clean sheets, there are still problems for the Reds to address within their backline and one of those problems is finding a long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk.
Liverpool now readying Botman move
According to reports in Spain, Liverpool and FSG are now readying a move for Sven Botman worth as much as €80m (£70m) in 2026. Just one summer after breaking their transfer record to sign Isak, those at Anfield have set their sights on the Dutch centre-back in an attempt to solve their defensive problems.
Whilst the immediate thought may be that Botman would replace Ibrahima Konate, who is on course to leave as a free agent next summer, he may actually replace Van Dijk in the long-term. WhoScored went as far as to say that the 25-year-old is the next Van Dijk during his time at Lille and his time in the Premier League has only added further credit to that statement.
PL stats P90 25/26 | Van Dijk | Botman |
|---|---|---|
Minutes | 900 | 552 |
Progressive Passes | 6.30 | 3.11 |
Tackles Won | 0.40 | 0.49 |
Successful Aerial Duels | 4.70 | 2.79 |
As impressive as Botman is, however, the stats highlight the task that Liverpool have on their hands. Replacing Van Dijk is their very own mission impossible. Botman would bring Premier League experience and his ability in possession is still of a high standard, but that still may not be enough to fill the void left behind by the Liverpool captain.
