Liverpool: A centre-back option Jurgen Klopp must not overlook next summer

Before signing two new center-backs on Deadline Day in the January transfer window, it has been a real struggle for Jurgen Klopp and his defensive line.

Klopp has not been able to find a center-back who can stay healthy for most of the season to pair with Virgil Van Dijk, and even the dutch international himself got injured and was sidelined for a lengthy spell.

This ultimately forced Klopp to weaken his midfield and use two of his most influential midfielders in the backline. That would be Fabinho and captain Jordan Henderson.

Liverpool’s new center-back signings – test subjects perhaps?

Liverpool completed two final-day deals. The first was Ben Davies from Championship side, Preston North End. The second new face was promising 20-years-old Turskish defender, Ozan Kabak, from Schalke 04.

The latter was brought to Anfield on a loan deal with an option to make permanent at the end of the season. The former must prove himself at the top level but as things stand, he will be down the pecking order once the Reds best CBs are back and fit for selection.

So if all fails, Liverpool could still have a big dilemma of who they want as a long-term option when they need to pick from the bunch in Europe and across the globe.

However, it must be said, if Davies does work out, we could see the search for a central defender die out by the summer. Here I’ve selected one option that cannot be overlooked by the German.

Jurgen Klopp must try and consider a big move for Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane

The Reds have been looking for a center back for a while now. The one that sounds the closest to an Anfield move is Dayot Upamecano from RB Leipzig. The French player has been followed by the Reds very closely for some time.

Although, they face heavy competition from rivals Chelsea and Bundesliga giants, Bayern Munich. Despite all the rumors, Klopp should keep an eye on what’s happening in Madrid.

Los Blancos wants to bring in Kylian Mbappe for next season, no matter the cost. In order to do so, they’ll have to sell some players. One of these players that has been transfer-listed is Raphael Varane.

Varane’s time at Real Madrid

More from Liverpool FC

• “Dreadful” Liverpool defender was shunned for being “miles off” vs Wolves
• Liverpool: Jurgen Klopp’s agent FINALLY addresses rumours he’ll leave
• Liverpool will rival Manchester City for colossal Premier League defender
• Liverpool are advancing in talks to extend the contract of “top professional”
• Liverpool lose captain for a further game after ban extended for “abusive” language

Varane arrived at Real Madrid when he was just 17 years old and has won 18 trophies in his 10 years at the club. He was also a World Cup-winner in 2018 with his country France, probably the best player in the squad for the tournament.

He is an exciting center-back who still has many years of playing left and a pair of VVD and him would be something that would help Liverpool a lot. Even though Varane is one of the best players for Los Blancos, he alongside Vinicius Jr., Karim Benzema, and Nacho Fernandez, are players who will be made available for sale.

We’ve been witnessing a different Varane of late. He has not played at his highest level and when he is not paired with Sergio Ramos, he has made mistakes that have led to important losses.

This is probably one of the reasons that Madrid would list him as available since he is still very valuable in the market. Another reason would be the potential arrival of David Alaba next summer for Los Merengues, which is said to be a done deal.

If the Frenchman is sold for a lot of money, Real Madrid can get some more money for Mbappe’s dream move.

How helpful would he be to Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool?

Now, how helpful would the French international be to Klopp? Well, Varane would probably be one of the best defender signings of the decade in the EPL and with him, Liverpool would have a star player in the starting XI.

Just think of a backline of Andrew Robertson, Raphael Varane, VVD, and Trent Alexander-Arnold? It would easily be the best backline in world football.

This would inevitably make the Reds a stronger team and would leave them with two strong backups in Joel Matip and Joe Gomez.

Both have been injured for larger parts of the season and that is why Klopp needs to focus on signing a star center-back for a long-term solution.

Do you think Varane could land at Anfield next season? With his signing would Klopp be coaching the best team in the world? Leave your thoughts in the comments section!