Last summer was supposed to be a big one for Liverpool, but it was supposed to be an outlier, one big push to prop up the Reds squad for the next era of success.
Arne Slot’s second season in charge has not gone to plan, though, and FSG are now embroiled in a quandary over the Anfield head coach’s position. Does he stay or does he go? Many fans would argue that change is needed, but those in know believe that Slot is going to be given the keys for a third term, entrusted to put Liverpool’s problems to rights.
Issues need addressing in attack and in the middle of the park, and while Liverpool’s defensive problems have been eased over the duration of the calendar year, sporting director Richard Hughes is still keen on making a signing at the back.
Virgil van Dijk will not follow his long-time dance partner Mohamed Salah out of the door this summer, but the veteran skipper is expected to leave in one year, when his contract expires.
Liverpool planning Premier League hijack
Liverpool have acted, signing Jeremy Jacquet in January for £60m. Moreover, Giovanni Leoni is progressing in his rehabilitation from an ACL injury suffered on his debut against Southampton at the start of the season.
On top of that, Ibrahima Konate is set to renew his vows with the Anfield side. The France centre-back, who has left a lot to be desired this season, has ummed and ahhed over a new contract this year, but now appears to be on the cusp of extending.
Even with that in mind, Liverpool are interested in signing Marcos Senesi, spying an opportunity as the Argentinian defender’s contract with Bournemouth approaches expiry.
That’s according to Caught Offside, who reveal that while Tottenham are leading the race for the experienced Premier League star and are in ‘advanced talks’ for his signature, Liverpool are still in the race to hijack a deal.
The report suggests that Senesi has already turned his nose at interest from several high-profile Serie A sides, and while he is leaning toward Tottenham right now following the Lilywhites’ groundwork, Liverpool could sway his head if they decide to ramp up the gas.
Why? Well, TEAMtalk further report that the Reds are growing in confidence of signing the player due to a few trump cards. Hughes already knows the defender’s agent and the player is also good friends with Alexis Mac Allister.
Why Liverpool could repeat Diaz deal with Senesi
If Liverpool pull off this exciting hijack, Tottenham will feel like they are revisiting familiar and unwanted territory.
In January 2022, Spurs signed Dejan Kulusevski from Juventus, an initial loan that grew into a permanent deal. Kulusevski’s great, but they must rue missing out on Luis Diaz, who, according to ESPN, had been on the verge of a transfer from Porto to north London before Liverpool accelerated their long-standing interest.
Diaz starred for Liverpool, playing the impossible role of replacing Sadio Mane with aplomb. Diaz is not his Senegalese predecessor, but there’s no question that he did a job for Liverpool, instrumental in winning the Premier League last season.
Senesi could emulate that impact, albeit in a very different way. A ball-playing centre-back, he has the experience and the nous to play a dutiful role in Liverpool’s backline, especially when considering it would be on a Bosman. He’s not just pretty on the ball; Bournemouth writer Ben Pawlowski has described him as a “monster” of a defender.
|
Marco Senesi’s Premier League Form |
|
|---|---|
|
Match Stats (* per 90) |
# |
|
Matches (starts) |
31 (31) |
|
Touches* |
80.6 |
|
Accurate passes* |
48.0 (78%) |
|
Chances created |
6 |
|
Possession lost* |
16.2 |
|
Dribble success |
60% |
|
Ball recoveries* |
4.1 |
|
Tackles + interceptions* |
3.2 |
|
Clearances* |
7.2 |
|
Duels won* |
5.2 (52%) |
|
Errors made |
2x |
Senesi, after all, may be tasked with a role of greater importance after his first year, with Van Dijk set to drape the curtain in one year’s time.
Moreover, he is a well-seasoned professional, as Diaz was. When Liverpool welcomed the flashy winger over from Portugal, he was 25 years old.
Senesi might not be as flashy a signing as Diaz was when he alighted in Liverpool, but the experienced centre-back could play a fundamental role in returning to top form under Slot’s wing next season.
After all, Van Dijk isn’t getting any younger, and while Konate is expected to stay, his performances this season have left a lot to be desired.
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