Reports suggest that Liverpool is eyeing a transfer for Fulham’s center-back Tosin Adarabioyo to join them at Anfield.
According to The Standard’s Nizaar Kinsella, Liverpool is among the clubs considering a move for Adarabioyo ahead of the 2024 summer transfer window.
The Reds are facing a crucial off-season, especially with head coach Jurgen Klopp’s impending departure at the end of the 2023/24 season.
Michael Edwards, the chief executive of football operations at Fenway Sports Group, and Liverpool’s sporting director, Richard Edwards, have been assigned the responsibility of appointing a new manager and assembling a squad capable of competing for top honors in both England and Europe. Meanwhile, Adarabioyo is currently engaged in discussions regarding a potential new contract with Fulham.
Liverpool’s pursuit of Adarabioyo suffers setback
The defender is on the verge of being presented with an enticing new contract by Fulham.
The Standard’s Nizaar Kinsella reports that Fulham intends to elevate Adarabioyo to one of their highest-paid players at Craven Cottage through the proposed contract extension. With the 26-year-old’s current deal expiring this summer, he could potentially depart the west London club on a free transfer during the upcoming window.
Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, and AC Milan have been contemplating a potential summer transfer for Adarabioyo, who has showcased outstanding performance since his return from injury in November 2023. The Reds might hold a slight advantage over Spurs, who secured the signing of Genoa center-back Radu Dragusin during the 2024 winter transfer window. Additionally, there have been discussions about a potential move to West Ham United ahead of the summer transfer window, according to several sources.
Fulham manager Marco Silva has labeled a potential transfer for Adarabioyo as “special,” indicating its strategic value. The former England U19 international is poised to become a free agent unless he agrees to new terms at Craven Cottage. However, Liverpool faces disappointment as negotiations have commenced between the towering 6-foot-5 defender and Fulham for a new contract, elevating him to one of the highest-paid players at the club.
Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes are tasked with planning for the post-Jurgen Klopp era at Anfield, with the acquisition of a new center-back being a top priority in their transfer agenda. Joel Matip, currently sidelined due to a severe knee injury sustained earlier in the 2023/24 season, will see his contract expire at the end of the campaign.
Meanwhile, with Virgil van Dijk approaching 33 years old before the start of the next season, Liverpool must acknowledge the inevitability of his aging. The competition from clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United in the center-back market emphasizes the urgency for Liverpool to swiftly identify their primary transfer targets.
Fulham manager Marco Silva has labeled a potential transfer for Adarabioyo as “special,” indicating its strategic value. The former England U19 international is poised to become a free agent unless he agrees to new terms at Craven Cottage. However, Liverpool faces disappointment as negotiations have commenced between the towering 6-foot-5 defender and Fulham for a new contract, elevating him to one of the highest-paid players at the club.
Liverpool’s Center-Back Options
Liverpool is aiming to bolster their defensive line this summer. Despite the interest in Adarabioyo, they boast a plethora of center-back options heading into the 2024/25 season, despite Joel Matip’s serious injury and likely departure.
Virgil van Dijk has demonstrated exceptional leadership since Jordan Henderson’s departure in the summer of 2023 and is expected to remain the linchpin of Liverpool’s defense. Additionally, Joe Gomez has had a stellar season and can deputize at right-back in the absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Furthermore, Ibrahima Konate has solidified his position alongside van Dijk and could become a stalwart in Liverpool’s defense for years to come. The club also harbors hopes of nurturing Jarell Quansah into a regular first-team player after his breakthrough under Klopp’s management this season.