Jurgen Klopp wants to bolster Liverpool, and the team is aiming for the next Virgil van Dijk: report

Given that they are involved in a title fight, Liverpool is rumoured to be looking for a new centre defender under manager Jurgen Klopp.

As Virgil van Dijk, a stalwart, approaches thirty-two and has battled injury issues in recent seasons, manager Jurgen Klopp is allegedly eager to add a new center-back to aid in his team’s summer transition.

The Daily Mail has allegations that the Reds are monitoring Ousmane Diomande, who has shown promise this season after his efforts for Sporting Lisbon in Portugal.

The 20-year-old, who is an astounding 6 feet 3 inches tall, joined Sporting from Danish side Midtjylland just a year ago. He has helped the team win just two games this season and lead Sporting to the top of the Portuguese top league.
In 2017, Liverpool paid £75 million for Van Dijk, who is rumoured to have a massive £69 million release clause in his current deal. Over the last five years, Van Dijk has developed into one of the best players in the world at his position.

Diomande, an Ivorian defender, frequently teams up in defence with fellow teenager Goncalo Inacio, a player who is reportedly wanted by many Premier League teams, including Liverpool, Chelsea, and Arsenal.

“Just bringing in a player, finding the money for it, as if we have endless money, we always talk about it,” said Klopp, downplaying the likelihood that the Reds will pursue any high-profile signings in January. It’s really beyond my comprehension.

“Everyone talks about how we need another player—you, the fans, everyone. Every one of them is expensive. There has to be a suitable player. Tell me about a team looking to offload a center-half who is simply the best. Given that he must play for Liverpool, could you please name one center-half who is exceptional rather than just a center-half?

Liverpool is still in the race on four fronts, but they have already suffered significant setbacks this year due to player injuries. This month, star player Mohamed Salah is also scheduled to go for the Africa Cup of Nations, which means Klopp’s squad depth will once again be scrutinised.