Liverpool are reportedly considering the possibility of signing Ezequiel Garay in a free transfer to cover for the injured Virgil van Dijk.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Todo Fichajes, Liverpool are eyeing a possible emergency signing to cover for the absence of Virgil van Dijk. To that end, the Premier League champions have set their sights on Ezequiel Garay over a possible free transfer; one they would be able to complete immediately.
Garay has enjoyed a fine career playing for some of the biggest clubs in Europe, having started out at Newell’s Old Boys way back in 2004. Over the course of his 16-year senior career, the Argentine has played for clubs like Real Madrid, Benfica and Valencia.
In fact, Garay spent the last four years at Valencia before departing from the Mestalla as a free agent after sustaining a long-term knee injury. Now back to full fitness, the 34-year-old is looking to secure one last major contract before he reaches the end of his career. And, Liverpool might just offer him such a deal.
The Merseyside club have been thrown into disarray following the knee injury that Virgil van Dijk picked up last weekend against Everton. Liverpool’s defensive leader is now believed to be out for the remainder of the season, with David Ornstein claiming his injury might be worse than what was initially feared.
The absence of van Dijk has left Jurgen Klopp with just two recognised senior centre-backs at his disposal in Joe Gomez and Joel Matip, both of whom have a bad injury record over the course of their respective Liverpool stints.
As a result, the Reds are in a precarious position, with Fabinho being the backup centre-back apart from youth options like Rhys Williams and Billy Koumetio. Liverpool, therefore, need to identify the possibilities to bolster their defence, with Ozan Kabak reportedly a January target.
Brighton & Hove Albion prodigy Ben White is also on Liverpool’s radar, but it is unclear if they will meet the Seagulls’ £50 million valuation. The latest option, though, could enable the Premier League champions to reinforce their defence immediately.
With Garay currently a free agent, Liverpool could potentially sign him as an emergency backup for van Dijk without spending a penny. In fact, as the report, Liverpool have established contact with the veteran defender’s representatives to ascertain the possibility of signing him.
If signed, it is likely that Garay will make his way to Anfield for the duration of the 2020/21 season. If so, it would be prudent for Liverpool to sign a centre-back in January as well, and it remains to be seen if Garay joins the Reds anytime soon.
