Liverpool considering shock move for defender after Arsenal exit

Liverpool’s needs in defence are profound and growing.

Without a first-choice right-back since January, Liverpool are now suffering shortages in the centre-back area.

Conor Bradley is a long-term absentee due to a terrible knee injury suffered against Arsenal in January. Dominik Szoboszlai and others have been used as deputies in that area and it’s clear that Jeremie Frimpong is a makeshift option at best.

The middle isn’t looking much healthier. Ibrahima Konate has left for Real Madrid and Ifeanyi Ndukwe is ineligible for the season ahead.

Liverpool desperately need cover

Joe Gomez is once again injured - proving he cannot be relied upon full-time. That leaves rookies Mor Talla Ndiaye, Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet as the only real candidates to partner Virgil van Dijk for the season ahead.

The ideal solution for cover would be to sign a player who can feature at right-back as well as in the centre of defence. Liverpool would need it to be a low-cost option - because money will need to be spent on a winger such as Bradley Barcola.

Liverpool consider deal for Tomiyasu

And now it appears that a consideration would be to sign free agent Takehiro Tomiyasu.

Out of contract since leaving Ajax in the summer the 27-year-old made his name at Bologna before leaving for Arsenal in 2021.

He proved to be a versatile signing for Mikel Arteta - starring across the backline including stints in both full-back positions as well as in the middle.

Liverpool could utilise the Japan international at right-back or centre-back - providing an ideal alternative to Gomez, 29. However the chances of signing two-footed Tomiyasu look remote right now as Pierre Sage’s Crystal Palace close in on a deal.

Crystal Palace favourites to land Tomiyasu

“Crystal Palace have emerged as the clear frontrunners to sign former Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu, with the Japan international currently training with Pierre Sage’s squad,” the report reads.

“Tomiyasu, who is available on a free transfer, was named on the bench for Palace’s 3-0 Como Cup defeat to RC Lens on Tuesday.

“Liverpool, Everton, Newcastle United and Sunderland have all been informed of the opportunity, with each club appreciating Tomiyasu’s ability to operate across the back line,” the report concludes.