Emile Heskey believes Bayern Munich superstar David Alaba could prove to be an answer to Liverpool’s defensive woes.
As quoted by Goal, Emile Heskey has backed Liverpool to make a move for David Alaba in the upcoming January transfer window. The former English striker believes that the Bayern Munich star could solve Jurgen Klopp’s woes in the defensive department, which has been ravaged by injuries this season.
“You’ve got a player who plays left-back, left side centre-back and left wing-back and he can step into midfield as well. If you look at what he’s achieved, he’s a winner, so he knows what it takes to win and that’s what you want within your squad,” Heskey told Rousing The Kop (h/t Goal) in an interview.
Heskey’s comments come just a few days after Liverpool confirmed Andrew Robertson as the newest addition to their injury list that already includes players like Virgil van Dijk, Fabinho and Joe Gomez while Joel Matip has also had his fair share of fitness problems.
As a result, the Reds are now desperate to sign at least one new defender in the upcoming January transfer window and there has been no shortage of options. Inter Milan’s Milan Skriniar, in particular, has emerged as one of the potential targets, though the centre-back is also courted by Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
However, Liverpool do arguably have a better chance of getting their hands on Alaba, who is facing an uncertain future at the club following a disagreement over a new contract.
It appears that the Austrian, whose contract expires at the end of the season, is holding out for a significant increase in salary – something Bayern aren’t willing to offer. He has, in fact, rejected the club’s latest advances regarding a contract extension, fueling speculations regarding his potential departure from the Allianz Arena in the summer.
It could serve as an ideal opportunity for Liverpool to make a move for Alaba, who is one of the most versatile defenders in world football at the moment. The 28-year-old has already established himself as a reliable centre-back under Hansi Flick, but can also operate in the left-back position that he has played for the most part of his career.
It could bode well for a Liverpool side who are not only missing their left-back but have also lost two of their premium centre-backs. And with the prospect of signing Alaba for a cut-price fee looming large, the Reds come out all guns blazing in the upcoming January transfer window.
