EXCLUSIVE: Liverpool weigh up move for world-class talent with ‘top five’ potential

Liverpool believe one of their targets has the potential to be ‘top five’ in the world for his position. They’re weighing up a move.

Anfield Watch understands Liverpool are now seriously considering their centre-back targets. The Reds remain short in the position after Jarell Quansah’s sale to Bayer Leverkusen.

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But there are other reasons it’s a priority. For one, Virgil van Dijk is now 33 and Liverpool want to secure his successor before the end of his current contract.

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Then there’s Ibrahima Konate. Konate is now within the final year of his contract and all signs point to him leaving in 2026.

Real Madrid are eager to snap him up one a free. Liverpool remain keen to renew his deal but must consider a replacement to be safe.

Which brings us to two targets, both of whom are very young.’

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Liverpool eye up Giovanni Leoni and Konstantinos Koulierakis

Anfield Watch understands Giovanni Leoni and Konstantinos Koulierakis are high on Liverpool’s shortlist. The Reds view the pair of them as elite talents and moves are being considered.

Now, whether both are targeted will remain on many factors. Liverpool are certainly thinking about signing at least one of them, however.

Lots has been written about Leoni, particularly in Italy, and the teenager is one of the most exciting centre-back prospects in football. Parma aren’t keen to sell as a result.

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But the same can be said about Koulierakis and Wolfsburg. Anfield Watch understands Liverpool believe Koulierakis could become one of the ‘top five’ best centre-backs in world football.

Now, we can’t say why they think that but we can have a fairly solid guess. Koulierakis has fantastic on-ball numbers for a young centre-back, even if his defensive numbers aren’t stand-out.

The Greek is one of the best defenders in the top five European leagues for playing the ball over distance. Few attempt more long-range passes than Koulierakis and few complete more.

He ranks highly for getting the ball into the penalty, switching play, and just generally looking to play the ball long. It’s something Van Dijk has made a hallmark – and Liverpool won’t want to lose it.

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We believe Koulierakis is one to watch for the Reds, then. They’re absolutely pushing for a centre-back this summer with just a few weeks remaining in the window.

And the 21-year-old might ultimately be the one they push forward one.