Liverpool owners FSG and Michael Edwards can still satisfy Jurgen Klopp’s transfer wish

Liverpool: Klopp admits new centre-back would help

Liverpool chief Michael Edwards and FSG can still fulfil Jurgen Klopp’s main wish – which has become more prevalent after Sunday’s events. The lack of a centre-back seriously hampered the Reds against Manchester United in the FA Cup with Rhys Williams struggling.

With under a week left in the transfer window, Klopp’s wish for a new centre-back was only reinforced after Liverpool’s defeat in the FA Cup.

United trounced on the naivety of young defender Williams, who was playing in the National League North last season.

To lay any blame on the feet of the 19-year-old is ludicrous, this is a young defender with little experience thrown into arguably the biggest match in England.

The real problem is the fact Anfield chiefs are yet to adhere to Klopp’s wish for a new centre-back.

He said: “I’m responsible for a big part of this football club but there are people responsible for the whole thing and I can’t make their decisions. I know they are with us and want to support us and they do.

“If we talk about a centre-half, yes it would help, 100 per cent.

“Would we score more goals with a centre-half, I’m not sure. Would it give us more stability in other moments, probably yes.”

With Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez out injured and Joel Matip’s fitness a problem, surely some conversations were held over bringing in another defender.

Nat Phillips and Williams are simply too inexperienced to be handed the weight of a Premier League title challenge at this stage of their careers.

And Fabinho, as good as he has been, is needed in midfield – as is captain Jordan Henderson.

Liverpool chief Edwards has a knack for striking good deals and there are plenty out there that could help on a short-term period.

Real Madrid star Eder Militao has undoubted ability but barely gets a look-in at the Bernabeu and is looking for more first-team football.

Klopp’s old centre-back pairing at Borussia Dortmund Nevan Subotic and Sokratis Papastaphopoulos are both available on free transfers.

Even an audacious move for Bayern Munich star Jerome Boateng, whose contract expires at the end of the season, would show some ambition.

With time running out, Sunday was a wake-up call and FSG must give the manager what he wants – it is the least he deserves after the success he has brought them.

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