John Barnes has urged Liverpool to sign Jurrien Timber and pair him with national teammate Virgil van Dijk for next season.
After some disastrous performances, there are some problems with Liverpool this season. Those dropped points in crucial games may cost the Merseysiders a place in next season’s Champions League. Mathematically, they may still have a chance to pip Manchester United in the top-four race. But it will all depend on their ability to win and their rivals dropping points.
With this season ending in the coming days, Liverpool plan to improve their squad in the summer. Media reports have indicated moves for at least two new midfielders, but Jurgen Klopp may also look to bring in a new centre-back.
Liverpool’s defensive performance has come under criticism from many factions. Seemingly, all of the members of backline barring Alisson, have seen a drop in their form, with Klopp likely to make some changes. Joe Gomez and Joel Matip might depart if they can find suitable offers.
Klopp is already looking at new options, including Jurrien Timber from Ajax. The versatile defender can play centre-back and as a right-back, which may prove effective from Liverpool’s perspective. In several games, they have lacked a more defensive option on the right and have often solely relied upon Trent Alexander-Arnold to perform multiple jobs.
Liverpool legend John Barnes has now urged the club to pursue Timber and bring him to Anfield. His comments appeared on Soccer News, which points to a centre-back pairing of two Netherlands international stars.
Barnes said, “Of course I know that he played together with van Dijk in the Dutch national team and according to the latest rumors Van Dijk has told him that he has to go to Anfield come…. He is a good player and would therefore be a good asset to Liverpool. Maybe Timber can replace Van Dijk in the long term.
Virgil is already over thirty and he will not stay with the club forever. So in the long term it’s not just about ‘coming to The Reds to form a duo with Van Dijk. Liverpool also just needs to look for a new defender for the future. “And in that respect, Timber would, of course, be a fantastic option if we manage to capture him.”
Timber is also a Manchester United defensive target, with Erik ten hag keen to reunite with his former star. The Red Devils’ boss coached the defender at Ajax and had plenty of good moments. He wanted to bring him last summer. But then Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal reportedly urged Timber to stay focused on the upcoming World Cup.
Manchester United could return for the defensive target but face plenty of competition this time. Liverpool might see the idea of Barnes here and look to up their interest in Timber. He could prove an astute signing for Klopp and his ideas, but much will depend on the price Ajax quotes.
