The Liverpool Center Back Crisis: 3 Potential Solutions

Dip Into the Market (Longer Term)

While it may not solve the problem facing Klopp this weekend, dipping into the transfer market for a van Dijk replacement may be the most logical and likely course of action.

Liverpool were arguably light in the center back department before the season began as Dejan Lovren left for the Russian Premier league with no like-for-like replacement secured.

The January transfer window doesn’t open for another two months, so a stop-gap measure will be needed in the interim, but that won’t stop supporters from dreaming of another transfer coup—perhaps in the shape of David Alaba of Bayern Munich.

According to BILD, Alaba is no closer to signing fresh terms with the Bavarian giants. This means that he could leave on a free transfer upon the expiration of his contract at the end of the season, or agree on a Bosman transfer with a foreign club in January.

Liverpool would definitely love to repeat the magic of their Thiago transfer by bringing Alaba in on the cheap in January, and he definitely has the quality to play alongside van Dijk. Perhaps Alaba doesn’t have the same imperious defensive reputation as a Kalidou Koulibaly, but Alaba and van Dijk would make a formidable pairing upon van Dijk’s return from injury.

Meanwhile, he is an extremely experienced defender, Austrian international, and would definitely improve Liverpool’s defensive options.

Elsewhere, reports across Europe have linked Ozan Kabak with the Reds, although sources close to the club have denied this. The 20-year-old Turkish defender is playing for cash-strapped Schalke, so rumors should be taken with a grain of salt.

But that hasn’t stopped The Mirror from suggesting the Reds have already opened talks with the Bundesliga side ahead of the January transfer. Likewise, Dayot Upamecano has also been linked with a January move. Whether the Reds’ finances would allow a move for Upamecano, who would require a hefty sum to move in the middle of the season, remains to be seen.

He would certainly be welcome at Anfield given his growing reputation across Europe. One thing seems clear: whoever it is, Liverpool will likely be looking to bolster their injury-ravaged squad in January, barring the unlikely emergence of a youngster.