Liverpool have joined AC Milan in the race to sign RC Lens’ defensive prodigy Loic Bade, who could be a hot prospect in the market next summer.
According to Le10Sport, Liverpool are keeping close tabs on Loic Bade. The RC Lens defender has emerged on the radar of the Premier League champions, who are scouring the market for defensive reinforcements following a host of injury-related woes in the ongoing campaign.
The report has also confirmed AC Milan’s interest in Bade, with the Rossoneri also keen on tackling their injury problems. A product of the Paris FC academy, the young defender’s current contract at Lens expires in 2023, but he could become a hot prospect next summer if can keep up his form through the remainder of the campaign.
Bade has indeed been a breakout star in Ligue 1, having made 16 top-flight appearances so far. He has built a formidable defensive partnership alongside Jonathan Gradit that has helped Lens maintain their mid-table status in the league.
From an individual perspective, the 20-year-old has impressed the onlookers with his intimidating presence at the back. His imposing 1.91m frame does indeed give him a considerable advantage in aerial and physical duels. Bade is also quite comfortable with the ball at his feet – making him an ideal ball-playing centre-back.
Hence, the Frenchman looks like a viable target for all the parties involved including AC Milan. The Serie A leaders have had their prime centre-backs in Simon Kjaer, Matteo Gabbia and Mateo Musacchio all struggle with injuries. Someone like Bade could, therefore, could provide excellent cover for the long-term.
The same thing applies to Liverpool as well as they look to find someone who can emerge as the next lynchpin in their defence, after Virgil van Dijk. Bade, in that regard, not only has the quality but also has the temperament to become an asset at Anfield in the coming years.
The entire French football is currently facing a financial crisis so it could also be an ideal opportunity for the Reds to secure the services of the youngster on the cheap this summer. It will thus be interesting to see how the defender progresses at Lens during the remainder of the campaign.
For the immediate future, however, Liverpool have had very little luck in finding a short-term replacement for the injuries van Dijk and Joe Gomez. The Premier League giants have been notably linked with Bayern Munich’s contract rebel David Alaba, but much like Bade, the Austrian international can only be an option in the summer.
