Arsenal and Liverpool have reportedly registered their interest in Pogon Szczecin defender Sebastian Walukiewicz, who is also a target for Barcelona
According to a report football.london, Arsenal and Barcelona are keeping tabs on the progress of Polish prodigy Sebastian Walukiewicz, with a view to landing him in the January transfer window. The 18-year-old is also a subject of interest from Liverpool.
Sebastian Walukiewicz is a player who has only recently had the spotlight shining on him. The teenage prodigy started his career at local club MKP Gorzow Wielkopolski before moving on to Legia Warsaw. But, he has only enjoyed his true breakthrough in senior football after joining Pogon Szczecin.
Initially featuring for the Polish club’s B team, the player made his first-team debut towards the end of last season, and is now a mainstay at the back at Stadion Florian Krygier. His progress has not gone unnoticed either, with some of Europe’s top clubs scouting his this season, including the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Barcelona.
Arsenal did bolster their central defensive roster in the summer transfer window by signing Sokratis. But, the Gunners still pose a vulnerable look at the back, with the former Borussia Dortmund superstar only being a stopgap at the Emirates. The need to sign a centre-back who will be a long-term solution is thus, understandable.
With Rob Holding and Konstantinos Mavropanos being the long-term options at Unai Emery’s disposal, Walukiewicz could complete his options heading into the future. Meanwhile, at Barcelona, the need to sign a centre-back is more urgent.
Samuel Umtiti and Thomas Vermaelen have been on the sidelines for nearly two months now, which has left Ernesto Valverde with Gerard Pique and Clement Lenglet as his only fit centre-backs. With Pique and Vermaelen both being on the wrong side of 30, Walukiewicz could be a long-term replacement. But, Liverpool are also in the hunt for the teenager alongside Barcelona and Arsenal.
The Sun have reported that Liverpool, like Barcelona and Arsenal have been monitoring the progress of Walukiewicz with a view to launch the offensive in January. The interest from Liverpool comes as a bit of a surprise, with Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez forging a solid partnership at the heart of the defence.
But, Dejan Lovren has been linked with a move away from Anfield, with Barcelona coincidentally among his suitors. If Lovren indeed leaves, Walukiewicz could be a long-term replacement. The Pole’s playing style would have surely appealed to Liverpool, Arsenal and Barcelona.
The player’s burly stature would help him adjust to the physical nature of English football, but the fact that he is also comfortable in playing from the back means that he would fit in the possession-based styles employed at Arsenal, Liverpool and Barcelona.
But, if he does make the move to any of the big name suitors, his progress might just be halted due to irregular playing time, especially with the first-team. To that end, Walukiewicz could be better served by staying put at Pogon Szczecin for the next few years.
Alternatively, loan spells away from the big clubs could help his growth as well. Either way, Sebastian Walukiewicz is a name to keep track of, and it remains to be seen if any of Arsenal, Liverpool or Barcelona are able to land him in the summer.