Liverpool are on the verge of securing the services of former Valencia defender Ezequiel Garay on a free transfer this summer.
According to El Gol Digital, Ezequiel Garay has emerged as an option for Liverpool, with the Premier League giants already in advanced stages of negotiations regarding a potential move to Anfield in the summer. The defender is currently a free agent, meaning he will arrive at the club for free as soon as the ongoing campaign comes to an end.
Released by Valencia last summer as part of the club’s overhaul amid the effects of COVID-19, Garay was linked with a move to Anfield earlier in the summer, when Liverpool were scouting an emergency option to fix their injury woes in the defensive unit.
The Reds, though, ended up signing Ozan Kabak on a loan deal from FC Schalke while Ben Davies was roped in from Preston North End.
Unfortunately for Jurgen Klopp, his injury crisis has continued, with Jordan Henderson picking up a long-term injury, joining the likes of Joel Matip, Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk on the sidelines. It has forced the Liverpool boss to continue relying on the services of inexperienced defensive outlets like Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams.
In Garay, Liverpool could find themselves a seasoned veteran, who has a vast amount of experience at the highest level of football, following spells at Valencia, Benfica and Real Madrid. He has accumulated a total of over 200 appearances in La Liga while featuring in 136 competitive matches for SL Benfica. In addition, the 34-year-old has won 32 caps for the Argentine national team.
A born leader in the defensive third of the pitch, Garay should offer that leadership and motivation in the absence of van Dijk. His experience at the highest level of football should also help Liverpool fare better against top clubs as well as in tough competitions like the UEFA Champions League.
It is also fair to point out that Liverpool are yet to actually sign Kabak on a permanent basis. The defender’s future still remains uncertain, so the arrival of someone like Garay could add some depth in the defensive unit, whilst allowing the Reds to freely scout a quality defender who can offer himself as a long-term prospect at the heart of the four-man backline.
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Klopp has reportedly prioritised a summer move for Ibrahima Konate, although, in fairness, it is Kalidou Koulibaly who the club should look if they want another “mentality monster” to complete van Dijk at the heart of the backline.
