Top 6 potential LCB candidates to fill the spot

The wind of change is blowing over at Anfield. In this case, it’s more melancholic and worrying than anything else. Jürgen has already left the building, and no words are necessary to say all that he did for the club. Now, let’s hope the current organisation with both staff and players can continue to build on that foundation that the charismatic Mr. Klopp left.

If it wasn’t enough with Jurgen leaving, there are talks that another big man might be on his way out after Klopp’s departure. Rumour has it that Big Virg is debating his Red future with Klopp not being the man leading the team anymore.

He’s turning 33 this summer, so there’s still a lot of football left in him. Needless to say, he is still one of the best defenders in the world despite the knee injury that left him off the pitch for 9 months back in 2020-2021. He is a world-class player and indeed a very important player for Liverpool. The difference in the defending before Big Virg came in was night and day, not to mention the leadership.
If the team sees Klopp and van Dijk leave in a short span of time, it could have big consequences on and off the pitch. The question is, do anyone dare to bet on how the next season fare will be without Jurgen? 

However, like with any player, it’s not a question of if, but when they will leave. Liverpool will need to fill that spot whether it is now or later. 
One thing all Reds need to come to terms with is that you cannot clone Virgil (unfortunately). 
It will be almost impossible to find all those qualities that Big Virg possesses in one player. You can have one but not the other. Few can question his dominance in the air, while also being quick with the ball and just fantastic defending overall, with his positioning but also pace. And then the leadership capabilities and all that experience.
If/when he leaves, it will be a big void and big shoes to fill (no pun intended).

So let’s have a look at what is on the market then. Since it’s the Euros this summer, players who have made a name for themselves are obviously a lot more expensive.
When Liverpool bought Virgin van Dijk, he became the world’s most expensive defender of all time. However, nobody discusses if the Dutchman was worth it or not. Seeking his replacement, if Liverpool wants a van Dijk-type player that is younger than the original, chances are that it will be costly. 

Top 6 potential LCB candidates to fill the spot

Marc Guéhi, 24, Crystal Palace
The young Crystal Palace captain has put up some impressive stats for the Eagles which eventually led to international duty.
In the Euros he linked up with John Stones and was hailed for his performance, being a starter in the group stage and the round of 16, before being struck by a ban in the quarter-finals against Switzerland.

Prior to the Euros, the conversation about Guehi was that it was just a matter of time before Guehi moved on to a bigger club. After his performance this summer, that move is surely coming closer. Could he be the one to replace van Dijk?

Kim Min-Jae, 27, Bayern Munich
Before his move to Bayern Munich, Min-Jae was instrumental in the Napoli defence that led them to their first league title in over 30 years. Naturally the spotlight’s on a successful team and the South Korean was one of the players to leave. 
However, things haven’t gone according to plan and Bayern Munich's weak season eventually saw Min-Jae lose his starting spot under Tuchel, and there have even been talks of a possible sale. Time to swoop for Liverpool?
On another note, Kim Min-Jae was the first ever Asian defender to be nominated for Ballon d’Or.

Odilon Kossounou, 23, Bayer Leverkusen
Naturally a lot of eyes are on the Bayer Leverkusen squad after the remarkable season that they had. Kossounou might fit the bill of a Liverpool man as he is quite versatile and can support in both ends. 
It’s been reported that Real Madrid, Manchester United and Arsenal want to sign him.
Kossounou was hailed as one of the best CB’s this past season.

Edmond Tapsoba, 25, Bayer Leverkusen
Another Leverkusen player, a lot of teams want his signature. The rumours around him were strong even before the successful Leverkusen season. 
His defensive capabilities are strong and so is his passing, although it might not be as offensive and risk taking as some others. His manners are somewhat similar in van Dijk’s as his self-confidence can sometimes be perceived as arrogance. According to transfer rumours, PSG wants Tapsoba.

Antonio Silva, 20, Benfica
The eyes have already been on Silva for quite long, and a move to the Premier League has been in the cards for some time now.
The conversation surrounding Silva is that he might become the best defender of all time. Of course that comes with a price tag - somewhere around £90 million.
The combination of young age and massive talent is costly these days, and the clubs that are reported to be interested in signing the Portuguese international are Newcastle, the Manchester clubs and Liverpool.

Ronald Araujo, 25, Barcelona
Barcelona are finding themselves in a financial situation where they need to sell to cover their bills. The Uruguayan national Araujo is a target for many large clubs, which is not surprising as he is one of the most promising defenders that Barcelona fostered for a long time. Perhaps not the best passer, his value is found in his defensive skills with his hard work, pace and in the air. It will not be cheap, but Barcelona’s hand might be forced to sell this talented defender to a club with more financial strength.

Written by Alan Spencer