Liverpool have been offered former Newcastle United and Watford defender Daryl Janmaat as a resolution to their defensive injury crisis, according to reports.
Janmaat offered to Merseysiders
The 31-year-old, currently a free agent, is a versatile player that usually plays at right-back but can also play in a more central role, as manager Jurgen Klopp looks to negotiate one of the most difficult situations he’s had to deal with at Anfield. The Dutchman also possesses a vast amount of experience, picking up 34 caps for Holland in his professional career.
Virgil Van Dijk and Joe Gomez are sidelined with long-term knee injuries. Fabinho limped off holding his hamstring against FC Midtjylland and Trent Alexander-Arnold had to be substituted during their clash against Manchester City, leaving Joel Matip and Andy Robertson as their only established defenders available for selection.
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With the Cameroonian defender struggling with his own fitness issues, the Reds could have a lifeline to turn to as they seek short-term defensive cover.
According to TEAMTalk, Janmaat has been presented as an option for them, who was rated highly by his former manager John Carver, labelling him as an “exceptional player” (cited by the Daily Mail).
The report adds that he has been given a ‘glowing reference’ by Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum – the pair played together at Newcastle United and internationally.
Transfer Tavern take
Liverpool fans will be in disbelief as to what is happening right now. No-one could have predicted their side would have been in this situation at this stage of the campaign.
As good as Matip is, it is unlikely that he will remain 100% fit right up until January so Klopp will need to move quickly to secure someone that can fill the position, at least until the transfer window opens its doors once more.
But the Reds have to prepare to take any option that they can get – beggars cannot be choosers. Barcelona managed to sign Martin Braithwaite from Leganes as an emergency signing earlier this year, with permission from La Liga. It is doubtful that the Premier League will be as generous, but for Klopp’s sake, Janmaat would be a valuable addition if the move is allowed.
In other news, Liverpool show ‘strong interest’ in 6 ft 3 ‘leader’ likened to Van Dijk.
