Liverpool have been ruled out of signing RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano during the January transfer window.
Upamecano off the table
The 22-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Anfield in recent months, along with his teammate Ibrahima Konate, as the Reds try to nurse their defensive injury crisis (via the Express).
Jurgen Klopp has lost Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez to serious knee injuries and Joel Matip to a three-week setback, leaving the German tactician with no established centre-backs to select.
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However, there was more bad news for Liverpool, with journalist Jan Aage Fjortoft revealing that Leipzig have no intention of selling the French centre-back to the Merseysiders.
Re: Upamecano, RB Leipzig
Liverpool need a central defender this transfer-window and other Premier League – clubs following this player very closely
But the message from Leipzig:
“No! No chance”
— Jan Aage Fjortoft 🏳️🌈 🇳🇴 (@JanAageFjortoft) January 5, 2021
Transfer Tavern Verdict
This will be a seismic blow to Klopp, who is in desperate need of reinforcements at the back. Described as “formidable” by former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, Upamecano has averaged 2.3 clearances, 6.4 long balls and a pass success rate of 89.5% in the Bundesliga this season (Whoscored), qualities that Liverpool are crying out for at this time.
That being said, Fabinho has been an excellent replacement for the time being. But having lost 1-0 playing alongside Jordan Henderson at the back, it is something that, surely, they can’t rest their laurels on.
In other news, James Pearce’s transfer update sent many Liverpool fans into meltdown.
