Liverpool to sign former Premier League star to replace Ibrahima Konate
Liverpool are in the midst of a squad rebuild, and Richard Hughes' focus is shifting to the defence.
Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak were added to the Reds’ attack last summer, whilst Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and Giovanni Leoni bolstered the backline.
Despite three additions to the defence more are certainly needed, hence a deal being agreed that will bring Jeremy Jacquet to Anfield for next season.
With the long-term futures of Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez in doubt and Ibrahima Konate having less than six months remaining on his current deal, another central defender will be a priority in the summer, and a former Premier League star could end up at Anfield.
Liverpool to try again for former defensive target
A whole host of central defenders have been linked with a Merseyside move in recent months, and one of the most surprising is former Newcastle United centre-half, Lloyd Kelly.
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The Englishman was a target for Liverpool whilst at Bournemouth, but he ended up reuniting with Eddie Howe at St James’ Park in 2024.
After making 14 appearances in six months, only seven of which were starts, Kelly left the North East and joined Juventus on loan for the second half of last season.
The 27-year-old has since become a regular at The Old Lady, making his move permanent last summer, and is now being linked to some massive Premier League sides.
Writing on X, Mirko Di Natale revealed that Juventus now value Kelly between €40-50 million, over double the fee they paid, and suggested that with Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham all looking for a central defender this summer, Kelly could be a player to keep an eye on.
Could Kelly move to Liverpool?
Although, at 27, Kelly is slightly older than the Reds’ typical targets, the Englishman does have a lot to offer Arne Slot’s defence.
The Bristol-born defender can be deployed at left-back or in the centre of the defence, and would also fulfil a homegrown spot in the Premier League registrations rules, something that Liverpool are currently lacking.
Kelly has already played 64 times in the Premier League, and would not take long to adjust to the competition again.
Liverpool may well prioritise the signing of young raw talent, but if they want to add some experience to the backline in the case that Konate does leave on a free this summer, Kelly could be the perfect option.
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