Liverpool Urged to Pursue Harry Maguire and Defensive Reinforcements

omidbasir- Dietmar Hamann has recommended that Liverpool explore the possibility of acquiring Harry Maguire as they seek to bolster their defensive lineup this summer. Manchester United has not yet initiated discussions with the defender, who has recently demonstrated strong performances against both Manchester City and Arsenal under interim manager Michael Carrick. Hamann asserts that Liverpool requires greater defensive depth and has encouraged the club to consider a move for Maguire to enhance their backline.

In an interview with CasinoBeats, Hamann remarked, “You have to commend Harry Maguire for enduring significant criticism over the past few years and consistently bouncing back. If he becomes available on a free transfer, Liverpool must consider it, as I believe they need more depth defensively.

“Joe Gomez has been part of the squad for an extended period, yet he has never truly secured a starting position. Additionally, Connor Bradley is currently sidelined due to injury, and it will be interesting to see how his absence affects the team upon his return.”

He further added, “Liverpool also requires depth in the right-back position. Frimpong is not a natural right-back; he sometimes manages to perform there, but that’s not his primary role. The team could benefit from a couple of acquisitions in defensive positions.”

The potential signing of Maguire would not necessitate negotiations with United, as they would likely wait for his contract to lapse before entering talks, if at all. Hamann also suggested two other viable targets: Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck and Tottenham Hotspur’s Micky van de Ven.

“Micky van de Ven has been performing exceptionally well for Spurs, and Schlotterbeck at Dortmund has taken on a significant leadership role over the past 18 months. He is arguably our best centre-back in the national team and is expected to play in the World Cup for Germany.

“He is a left-footed player and has one year remaining on his contract. I am confident that Liverpool has inquired about him, and he would be a solid choice,” Hamann stated.

Currently, Liverpool is facing challenges in their defensive performance, having conceded 32 goals in 21 Premier League matches this season, compared to 41 goals conceded in total last season. The Reds find themselves aiming for a top-four finish rather than contesting for the title, sitting sixth in the league, two points behind Manchester United in fourth and 14 points adrift of league leaders Arsenal.

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher previously warned that manager Jürgen Klopp’s position could be jeopardized if the team fails to qualify for the Champions League. He expressed to Sky Sports, “If you do not qualify for the Champions League after winning the league the previous season and spending considerably, it undermines your standing.

“My primary concern for Liverpool regarding Champions League qualification lies in their inability to effectively manage set-pieces, counter-attacks, and encounters with teams that deploy low blocks. They seem ill-suited to the current Premier League demands.

“Considering the recent performances of Manchester United and Chelsea, there is a real possibility that Liverpool may miss out on Champions League spots. This situation raises significant questions about the manager’s future if they fail to return to the Champions League next season.

“Failing to win the league or compete for it is a collective issue, but not qualifying for the Champions League after being champions and having the highest wage bill creates serious concerns.”

Liverpool will face Qarabag in the Champions League on Wednesday evening before returning to Premier League action against Newcastle this weekend. Should the club wish to finalize any transfer deals in January, the window for Premier League clubs closes on Monday, February 2.