Liverpool are reportedly ready to rival Celtic, Newcastle United and Leeds United in the race to sign Hamilton Academical youngster Jamie Hamilton.
According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool are among the clubs interested in Jamie Hamilton. The Hamilton Academical defender has emerged as a hot prospect in the Scottish market, with many believing that he may soon leave the club. Hamilton’s current contract expires at the end of the season, which has put a myriad of clubs across England and Scotland on red alert.
The likes of Celtic, Newcastle United, Leeds United, and Burnley, among others, are monitoring Hamilton’s situation closely. But it is Liverpool who have expressed major interest in the young defender as they hope to snap up him on a cut-price deal in January.
A centre-back by trade, Hamilton has established himself as a crucial member of the Hamilton Academical defensive unit since making his breakthrough in the 2019/20 campaign. He has notched up over 60 competitive appearances for the club and has consistently represented Scotland at the youth level.
Standing at 1.88m tall, the 19-year-old has made a solid impression with his imposing presence at the back. His defensive work rate and commitment have ticked Jurgen Klopp’s fancy as well, with the report suggesting that Liverpool are eyeing the youngster as a potential replacement for Nathaniel Phillips.
After a breakthrough campaign at Anfield last term, Phillips has fallen behind the likes of Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip in the pecking order this season. Despite signing a contract extension in the summer, he is expected to depart Liverpool this month amid interest from Watford, West Ham United and Newcastle United, although Watford’s bid was recently rejected.
In an attempt to replace Phillips, Liverpool are mainly targeting young defenders with loads of potential. The Reds were among the clubs interested in Watford whizkid Travis Akomeah, but the 16-year-old has recently joined Chelsea.
It has prompted the Merseyside giants to set their sights on Jamie Hamilton. With considerable experience in the Scottish Premiership and the ability to play as a right-back, the Scot is currently the desired replacement option for Phillips. At the age of just 19, he is unlikely to demand too much game-time, making him an ideal fifth-choice centre-back, behind Matip, van Dijk, Konate and Joe Gomez.
However, it remains to be seen whether the player himself will be drawn towards a move to Anfield, knowing that he may find it difficult to continue his development at the top level.
