Liverpool need to rethink reported Ben White plan after van Dijk blow

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Liverpool have been dealt a huge blow with BBC Sport reporting that Virgil van Dijk is set to be sidelined for several months and could miss the rest of the season following Saturday’s Merseyside derby.

Given the impact the Dutchman has had on the Reds, it is difficult to think of how Jurgen Klopp’s men could be dealt a bigger setback from a single injury.

Many will be intrigued to see how the champions cope without the centre-back. They do not have a large group of options, having lost Dejan Lovren over the summer.

And it will be fascinating to see whether Liverpool act in January having lost van Dijk. There are surely going to be plenty of supporters hoping that they do sign someone in the winter.

The Reds will certainly have to consider the possibility, at the very least. And perhaps that could tempt Liverpool to rethink their reported plans concerning Ben White.

The Liverpool Echo reported in September that the Reds had scouted White extensively during his loan spell with Leeds United last season.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side attempted to hold onto the youngster this summer. As noted by Sky Sports, they made three bids, including one worth £25 million, before Brighton managed to tie him down to a new deal.

The Liverpool Echo’s report noted that Liverpool plan to continue watching White ahead of next summer. This campaign has seen him take his first steps in the Premier League.

The Seagulls will be incredibly reluctant to let White leave next summer, let alone in January. But Liverpool should still consider asking the question.

Time to rethink Ben White plan?

The 23-year-old has not looked out of place at the highest level. And, while he may not be ready to fill the void left by van Dijk, he looks to have incredible potential.

If Liverpool are convinced that he is worth targeting next summer, they should bring forward their plans and make a bid in January.

If the wheels have fallen off their title challenge by that stage – though that still seems incredibly unlikely – White can take a few months to settle in before he gets the chance to play alongside van Dijk.

And if they are in the running to retain their crown, the Reds will surely benefit from having greater depth.

White is going to cost a lot. That will be the case whenever Liverpool make their move. So perhaps it now makes more sense to bid in the January window than hold off until the summer.