Liverpool reportedly made a bid to sign Turkish defender Caglar Soyuncu over the summer but instead he joined La Liga giants Atletico Madrid.
According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, the 27-year-old has been targeted by Liverpool and Newcastle this summer, with both clubs making offers for him.
Following Leicester City’s relegation, Soyuncu was allowed to leave the club. Atletico chased him for months and finally signed him as a free agent.
The Turkish centre-back reportedly earns around £45,000 a week and meeting his wages wouldn’t be a big problem for the Reds.
Soyuncu spent five seasons in the Premier League with the Foxes, making 132 appearances for them in all competitions.
With his quality and experience, he would have been a fantastic addition to Jürgen Klopp’s squad.
Liverpool were expected to sign at least one good central defender this summer, but they ultimately failed to do so.
The Anfield giants have focused their efforts on strengthening the midfield, signing four players this summer.
Ideally, a free transfer player like Soyuncu would have been brilliant, but ultimately it was his decision to move to Spain.
Liverpool will have to make a healthy change in defense sooner or later. Joel Matip will become a free agent next summer and will definitely leave the club.
Joe Gomez could be a useful option when fit, but his terrible injury history remains a major concern. The same can be said of Ibrahima Konate, who is yet to show his best form for the club.
Virgil van Dijk has a contract with the club until 2025, but the 32-year-old’s playing time will need to be managed to ensure he is available for the most important matches.
Simply put, the Reds need more players in defense, either in January or next summer.
Jota chooses which Man City star he would bring to Liverpool
The Liverpool striker chose the Manchester City midfielder over Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes
Diogo Jota has named Manchester City hero Bernardo Silva as the Portuguese player he thinks Liverpool would most like to sign.
The two have played together for their countries on several occasions, although Jota missed the World Cup due to a long-term injury.
Silva has been the subject of links away from City for another year this summer.
Barcelona had expressed interest, but City eventually managed to tie the 29-year-old down to a contract extension.
Silva won five Premier League titles with the Blues and scored several key goals en route to the treble last season.
When That’s Football asked Jota which international colleague he thought Liverpool would most like to sign, he replied:
“Bernardo [Silva]. For me he’s probably one of the smartest footballers I’ve ever known , and in this way. He can hide the ball from opponents, it’s something special.”
This means the Liverpool striker has snubbed Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Joao Cancelo. Silva has made four appearances for City this season and has only missed the other two with a muscle injury.
He provided the assist for Portugal’s winner in a 1-0 victory over Slovakia in Euro 2024 qualifying, before contributing to another goal in a 9-0 win over Luxembourg. City fans will be hoping he continues this form against West Ham this weekend.
Announcing his contract extension before the deadline, Silva said:
“I’ve had an incredible six years at Manchester City and I’m delighted to extend my stay here.”
Winning the treble last season was very special and it’s exciting to be part of a team where there is so much hunger and passion.
“Success makes you want more and this club gives me the opportunity to continue winning.
I love the coach, my teammates and the fans and I hope we can share even more good memories in the years to come.