Sporting director says he’s ‘not surprised’ Liverpool want his £38m player

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Liverpool are expected to spend even more money despite their summer splurge, and they may look to address one particular problem area.

Despite only being six games into their Premier League title defence, Arne Slot’s side have been linked with a number of potential targets, especially at centre-back.

There is uncertainty over the future of Arsenal and Chelsea target Ibrahima Konate, and 18-year-old Giovanni Leoni was recently ruled out for up to a year with an ACL injury.

But after missing out on Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi on deadline day, they could turn their attention elsewhere, with one Bundesliga player believed to be on their shortlist.

Liverpool among clubs interested in Dayot Upamecano

Slot currently has just three senior options at centre-half, so it is no surprise they have been touted to swoop for Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano by Bild.

Upamecano moved to the Bundesliga giants from RB Leipzig for £38million in July 2021 and has made over 150 appearances, winning three league titles and three cups.

His current deal is set to run down in June 2026, however, and Bayern Munich are working to tie him down to fresh terms in a bid to fend off interest from overseas.

Bayern director Max Eberl told Sport Bild: “I’m not surprised that many clubs are interested in Dayot Upamecano… and we are also interested in extending his contract.

“It takes time. We’re trying to conduct the talks and convince him of the Bayern project.”

The 26-year-old would be able to sign a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs from January 1, and he would represent a savvy, cost-effective option for Slot next season.

Liverpool badly need to sign another centre-back

Slot cannot afford to ignore his defensive crisis for much longer.

While there can be no meaningful changes until the transfer window re-opens, plans must be drawn up now to draft in reinforcements. Any other outcome risks derailing their title challenge.

Heading into the season with only Joe Gomez and Leoni as senior, recognised back-ups to Virgil van Dijk and Konate was a mistake, and they seem to be suffering setbacks with every passing week.

Leoni will be forced to sit out the entire campaign while Konate was dreadful against Crystal Palace, having been bullied by Jean-Philippe Mateta.

The perfect way to respond would be to snap up Guehi on a free transfer ahead of his Palace contract ticking down, while Upamecano would also add some much-needed competition.