Liverpool-linked full-back ‘close’ to completing Premier League transfer
Liverpool could see one of its possible Trent Alexander-Arnold replacements sign for a fellow Premier League club.
The Reds are understandably monitoring potential additions at right-back in case Alexander-Arnold does depart this summer, and Fiorentina’s Michael Kayode was a name reported earlier this season.
Caught Offside credited both Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur with interest in the Fiorentina defender, who has been selected in every Serie A matchday squad this season but dropped out for last weekend’s 1-1 draw against Torino.
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Several reports now claim Kayode will sign for Brentford, with the London club set to conclude a loan move, before a £13.5m ($16.6) permanent deal in the summer. The Guardian adds the deal is ‘close’ and will allow Mads Roerslev to join Wolfsburg, while providing Thomas Frank with an additional option at right-back following Aaron Hickey’s injury.
Kayode (21) has been capped by Italy at youth level and is an attacking right-back who is also comfortable operating as a wing-back.
As for Liverpool, it means the possible search for right-backs continues, although the club remain hopeful Alexander-Arnold signs fresh terms. The 26-year-old has attracted interest from Real Madrid, who saw a bid knocked back on New Year’s Eve.
Reports in Spain have indicated that a move to Madrid is all but wrapped up, although no such claims have been made by the national UK media.
Should Alexander-Arnold move on in the summer, Conor Bradley is the obvious successor at right-back. The Northern Ireland international has made 16 appearances this season and missed around seven weeks through injury.
Bradley started the midweek Champions League win over Lille but had to be replaced late on and is yet to play 90 minutes since returning from injury. “Conor the idea was to play him 90, but in the end you could see that it got tougher and tougher for him in terms of load,” Arne Slot said after the game.
“So you don’t want to take the risk of him getting injured in the last few minutes like it happened against Madrid.”
Even if Bradley is the long-term replacement for Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool could still be forced to find another option in that role this summer. Right-backs Vanderson, Amar Dedic and Jeremie Frimpong are among those linked with a move to Liverpool, and speculation will only increase if news of a transfer to Real is confirmed in the coming weeks.