Jurgen Klopp is thought to have identified his ideal replacement for Joel Matip in the January window, with Liverpool in need of central defensive reinforcements. The Reds suffered a major blow to their title ambitions earlier in December, after it was confirmed that key centre back Joel Matip had suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
As such, the defender could be out for the rest of the season, and with Liverpool competing on four fronts, the need for cover is thought to be high. Yet Klopp’s side are already being linked with a move for Wolfsburg’s Maxence Lacroix in a bid to ease those concerns.
Much like former team-mate Micky van de Ven who joined Tottenham in the summer, Lacroix is surprisingly quick for his size, stood at six feet three inches. Given his athleticism, the French youth international is also capable of playing on the right of a back four, as well as on either side of a central defensive partnership.
With Matip out of contract at the end of the season, it is likely that he has already played his last game for the club, and could see the Reds fast-forward their plans to replace him in the summer, according to The Sun.
Despite Wolfsburg’s inconsistencies in the Bundesliga this term, the 23-year-old has already helped them keep two clean sheets, as they sit in mid-table with seven defeats from 13 games.
Lacroix could be made available for as little as £30million this January, with his contract up at the end of next season and the German outfit seemingly keen to cash in on their player while they can.
Aside from Konate is the most likely candidate to partner Virgil van Dijk in the short term, with Joe Gomez and youngster Jarell Quansah also at the club. Lacroix would also bring leadership to Anfield, having emerged as one of the senior members of the Wolfsburg dressing-room despite his age, captaining his side this season.
Germany has proven a good hunting ground for Liverpool, having recruited Matip and Ibrahim Konate from the Bundesliga in the past, as well as Dominik Szoboszlai and Wataru Endo.
Liverpool have also been linked with a move for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, although a January deal would seem far more unlikely. Aside from the fact that the Eagles would want around £50m for the England international, they will not want to let one of their key stars leave in the middle of the campaign.
In his seven-year stint at Anfield, the German-born central defender has played 201 times, scoring 11 goals for the Reds. Marc Guehi is also thought to be of interest to Liverpool, though Crystal Palace will likely not want to sell in the middle of the season.
The Reds are one of a number of top sides to have been connected with Guehi, with Arsenal and Tottenham previously noted among his suitors. Matip is one of the most decorated Liverpool players in recent years, part of the side that won the Champions League and Premier League, as well as a Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup, FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Community Shield under Klopp.
