Liverpool have apparently decided on their key summer transfer target for the new manager.
Liverpool’s pursuit to replace Jurgen Klopp has dominated the buildup to the summer transfer window, and for good reason.
However, with little over three weeks remaining in the season, FSG appears to have found their man. Talks with Feyenoord about Arne Slot’s fee will continue.
Meanwhile, preparations for the transfer market will continue. The last several weeks have demonstrated that Liverpool’s first-team squad requires significant upgrading.
Defense is undoubtedly one of those areas that requires work. And it appears that Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes have decided who they want to bring in.
Liverpool wants Willian Pacho.
If it wasn’t previously obvious, Wednesday night’s defeat to Everton established it beyond a doubt: Liverpool require a new centre-back.
Jamie Carragher stated it unequivocally following the defeat at Goodison Park. Ibrahima Konate has not performed well when the Reds most needed him.
Of course, this should not detract from Konate’s achievements in Liverpool and this season. By and large the Frenchman has had a really good campaign and should still be considered as the future of the defence.
However, Konate has sustained far too many injuries. With Joel Matip on his way out and Virgil van Dijk not getting any younger, Liverpool requires an outside hire.
Thankfully, according to journalist Ginaluca Di Marzio, they are attempting to make it happen. Di Marzio claims on his website, gianlucadimarzio.com, that Liverpool’s ‘priority’ signing is Eintracht Frankfurt’s Willian Pacho.
According to the journalist, the Reds are working to upgrade their squad while also negotiating for a new manager. And with that in mind they have reportedly identified the need for a left-footed centre-back. Pacho is said to be the man who has most caught their eye as being the ‘right profile.’
Who is Willian Pacho
This isn’t the first time Liverpool’s interest in Pacho has been reported on in the media recently. But we’d have to say that it’s the most substantial link so far.
In terms of what Edwards looks for in a player, the 22-year-old certainly meets the criteria. Not 23 until October, he’s still young enough to improve much further, but already has over 130 senior games under his belt.
Capped 10 times by Ecuador, Pacho is also a full international. Having made the step from South America to Europe via Eintracht, the centre-back has also proven that he can adapt to the European game. Tick, tick, tick.
Edwards will also no doubt be a fan of the description Pacho’s current manager gave of his player via bundesliga.com.
“He’s doing a great job, and is getting better all the time. He’s really reliable and has world-class potential,” says Dino Topmoller. We like the sound of this.
