:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68669909/1283246311.0.jpg)
In case you were unaware, Liverpool are a in a bit of a defensive crisis. The numbers might not bear it out — the Reds are in fact conceding slightly fewer chances than they were last season — and their recent run of dismal results may mostly be related to set piece defending and the front line failing to take their chances, but the reigning champions nonetheless have zero first team centre-backs available, and it’s just really difficult to win things when you’re forced to play your best midfielders in defence every week.
As such, transfer links have been coming thick and fast on Merseyside in recent weeks, what with the January transfer window offering a wonderful opportunity to remedy the issue, and the club has — through an assortment of connected journalists — batted them all away. Jürgen Klopp is “happy” with his options — which is to say he understands there won’t be any business done — and the situation will be assessed in the summer.
That won’t stop the rumour mill from grinding out its regular content, though, and today, the subject is Eder Militão. The defender is reportedly being offered up by Real Madrid, with the club willing to accept a short-term loan but ideally including a commitment to a permanent transfer.
Since moving from Porto for €50m back in 2018, the 22-year old — he’ll be 23 on Monday, he’s 22 until he’s 23 etc — has featured a total of 23 times for the Spaniards, and they are now looking to cut him loose. It’s not been a rousing success, is what we’re saying.
Why aren’t Liverpool jumping at the opportunity to snatch up this Real reject? In all likelihood, Madrid are insisting on a transfer commitment with a fee that is considered unpalatable to Mikey Edwards and the money gang. There is also the question of whether he has recovered from his bout with Covid-19, for which he tested positive back in October, which was coincidentally also the last time he saw any time on the pitch.
Militáo is a good athlete, dominant in the air, and a terrific passer from the back, so he ticks a lot of boxes for the Reds, but it’s clear the club are taking a long-term approach to their squad building and will not be rushed into any decisions on the player acquisition front, title defense be damned.