Liverpool forced to wait on potential Virgil van Dijk replacement

Virgil van Dijk’s worrying dip in form along with concerns over Joel Matip and Joe Gomez means Liverpool head into the transfer market looking to freshen things up in the centre of defence. Levi Colwill is seen as the ideal target and Liverpool are reportedly continuing to monitor his situation.

The 20-year-old has earned rave reviews while out on loan at Brighton from Chelsea this season with the Blues trying to tie him down to a new deal. He’s currently under contract until 2025 with the option of an additional year if he plays a certain number of games for Chelsea.

But his performances for Brighton this season has sparked fears at Chelsea that other clubs could tempt Colwill into leaving. Liverpool appear to be leading the race for the youngster’s signature if he decides to leave Chelsea this summer.

However, the Reds will have to wait as The Athletic claim Colwill will not make any decision until a permanent Chelsea manager is appointed. He’s reportedly willing to wait to see where he stands when the new manager arrives at Stamford Bridge.

But there’s already an abundance of competition for Colwill to fight with to play as the left-sided centre-back. It’s also a position predominantly occupied by Van Dijk at Liverpool, but reports have already suggested Colwill could be the Dutchman’s heir.

It’s been a season to forget for Van Dijk who has been far from his rock-solid best at the back for Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp’s defensive unit as a whole – aside from Alisson – have suffered a dip in form throughout the whole campaign and changes are expected to be made this summer.

Bolstering midfield appears to be the priority, but Liverpool will also have one eye on the future with their transfer business. Cody Gakpo, Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez look set to lead the club into the next generation as their leading front three for years to come.

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It was originally seen as an impossible task to replace Liverpool’s original front three of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane. The latter has already left while Firmino is one his way out this summer and Salah remains as important to the Reds as ever.

A mixture of experience and youth will be needed to lead Liverpool into their next phase and Colwill fits the latter. They’ll have to wait and see whether a deal can be done and if the young centre-back wants to leave or not.

But it’s clear to see that Liverpool owners FSG are putting plans in place to bring in talented young footballers to freshen up Klopp’s squad.

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