Fabrizio Romano says Liverpool offered chance to sign free agent, made decision

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Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has claimed on his Here We Go podcast that Liverpool have been offered the chance to solve their centre-back crisis with the signing of veteran free agent Ezequiel Garay – after he left Valencia last summer.

Garay, 34, is looking for a new club after his contract at Valencia expired in the summer. The La Liga side decided not to renew the Argentina international’s deal, after he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in the second half of 2019-20.

Despite his huge reputation that largely comes from a spell at Real Madrid, Garay has surprisingly remained a free agent – but that has not been for a want of trying. Liverpool are without Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez due to long-term injuries.

Romano told his podcast that Liverpool had been offered the chance to strengthen their ranks by signing Garay before the January window – but have decided against a move, preferring to wait until January.

“Garay was offered to Liverpool as a free agent but they said no. He’s not the type of player they want,” Romano said. “They are in no rush, they are looking at the window for opportunities. They are more interested in extending contracts.”

TBR’s view – Garay a good signing?

Right now, he is the best of a bad situation. If Liverpool are to make a signing before January, Garay is their best option – but with Fabinho fit, Joel Matip back, and both Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams doing well on occasion, their best bet is to wait.

However, should Matip or Fabinho become unavailable for whatever reason for a sustained period, then Liverpool really do need to look at Garay – and bring him to the club on a contract until the end of the season, at least.