Liverpool supporters in the Transfer Tavern have just about got over their side’s crushing 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the final of the Champions League last month, with the Reds failing in their quest to clinch a sixth European crown.
Jurgen Klopp’s men went into their clash with the Spanish giants full of confidence having beaten the likes of Porto, Manchester City, and Roma en route to the Kiev showpiece, although they weren’t able to take that extra step to European glory. A brace from Gareth Bale alongside Karim Benzema’s opener was enough to seal victory for Real, in turn securing them a third consecutive Champions League title, and 13th in their illustrious history.
Subsequently, there have been many downbeat Reds supporters in the Tavern in recent times, several of whom are turning their attentions towards the summer window and as such are likely to be intrigued by recent reports downplaying Manchester United’s interest in Toby Alderweireld.
Thus, with a move to United seemingly unlikely, Liverpool must seek to take advantage by sealing a £70 million deal for the Tottenham defender, in a deal that could well win them the Premier League title next season.
Ultimately, there is no doubting the impact Virgil van Dijk has had on the Reds backline since his arrival from Southampton back in January, although some question marks do remain over the season-long capabilities of the other centre backs at Anfield, with Dejan Lovren, Joel Matip, and Ragnar Klavan all guilty of costly mistakes this season.
And for Klopp’s side to bridge the gap to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City next time round, they will have to improve defensively, and a centre back partnership of van Dijk and Alderweireld could well become one of the most formidable in the division – the sort that could inspire title-winning success.
The Spurs defender has without doubt been one of the best centre backs in the Premier League since his move to North London back in 2015, with the 29-year-old playing a key part in their run to third place in the league back in 2016, and then second place in 2017.
And in both of those campaigns, Mauricio Pochettino’s men had the best defensive record to underline the influence Alderweireld had on the backline, with many in the Tavern of the opinion come the end of 2017 that he was the undisputed best defender in the Premier League.
And while this term has been a struggle for the Belgium international due to injury and lack of form, there is no doubting his credentials at top-flight level, and with Liverpool clearly in need of another authoritative and influential figure in the heart of their backline, they should look no further than the 29-year-old.
Thus, with a United move seemingly unlikely, Klopp’s side simply must strike a £70 million deal for the defender, a deal which could go some way to winning them the Premier League title next season.
Liverpool fans… what do you think? Let us know!
