Liverpool will spend big to replace Virgil van Dijk in January

Liverpool will not let Virgil van Dijk’s injury sink their season. Jurgen Klopp is ready to spend big in January to replace the talented defender. 

Virgil van Dijk’s serious injury has left a massive hole in the middle of Liverpool’s central defence. Jurgen Klopp isn’t going to allow that problem to persist for a full season. That’s why the club have identified a big-name central defender as their top transfer target in January.

According to Sunday World, Liverpool are the club prepared to finally meet RB Leipzig’s asking price for defender Dayet Upamecano. The centre back recently signed a contract extension with the Bundesliga club that runs through 2023.

However, the presence of a £42 million release clause that can be activated this summer puts Leipzig under pressure to offload him in January. The German club will likely push Liverpool to pay over that price to secure a move in the middle of the season. Even so, the Reds could consider Upamecano to be a bargain at any fee that comes in at less than £50 million.

This move should not be considered a panic move for Liverpool. Yes, the club do need to solidify the middle of their defence immediately in van Dijk’s absence. It should be noted, however, that Upamecano can also be a perfect partner for van Dijk once the Dutchman returns to full health. This is a transfer that can boost Liverpool immediately and also fit in well to Klopp’s long-term vision at the club.

The challenge for Liverpool will be getting the deal over the line without significant competition from other European clubs. Upamecano is a very talented player that has been well scouted on the continent. There are likely quite a few clubs that already had plans to activate his release clause in the summer. It’s easy to envision a scenario where those clubs jump into the fray six months early to blunt Liverpool’s efforts.

Liverpool should still be considered the favourites to land Upamecano this season. They have the finances, the need and the manager to beat out the competition. The move makes too much sense not to happen.