Hughes seeks defensive reinforcement as Liverpool target Zabarnyi
Reports suggest the club is prioritising experienced centre-backs to address depth issues ahead of the new season.
Liverpool manager Richard Hughes is reportedly seeking approval to sign Paris Saint-Germain centre-back Ilia Zabarnyi, according to a report from Fichajes. The move is driven by a need for experienced defensive reinforcement, as Virgil van Dijk enters the final year of his contract and new signings Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni lack Premier League experience. Zabarnyi is a target due to his prior Premier League success and familiarity with Hughes and coach Andoni Iraola from their time at Bournemouth.
The club has only completed one signing so far this summer, with Jacquet’s deal agreed in January. Giovanni Leoni is also set to join but has never played in the Premier League. The article claims Liverpool have only made one signing so far this summer (referring to Jeremy Jacquet, whose deal was agreed in January). The article states that Giovanni Leoni is also going to feel like a new signing but has never played in the Premier League.
There are no advanced negotiations underway, but the deal could proceed if Paris Saint-Germain agrees to consider his departure. The article claims Liverpool have only made one signing so far this summer (referring to Jeremy Jacquet, whose deal was agreed in January). The article states that Giovanni Leoni is also going to feel like a new signing but has never played in the Premier League.
The article asserts that Joe Gomez has been "injury-prone" and feels "rather unreliable" over the last couple of years. The article claims Virgil van Dijk is 35 years old and has only one year left on his current deal. The article refers to Andoni Iraola as a coach familiar with Zabarnyi from their time at Bournemouth, implying a current or past association with Liverpool's coaching setup alongside Hughes.
Liverpool's lack of depth was cited as a factor that affected their performance in the previous season. The article includes standard betting promotional text from Yahoo Sports. The article includes standard betting promotional text from Yahoo Sports, which may influence tone. Specifics regarding the financial terms or exact status of Virgil van Dijk's contract renewal are not confirmed in the provided text.
