According to recent reports, Liverpool scouts have been spotted keeping an eye on the Champions League defensive star as they set their sights on a transfer battle with Arsenal.
The Reds’ defensive weaknesses were once again exposed against Manchester City at the Etihad, but it was fortunate that Virgil van Dijk’s canceled goal grabbed the headlines. The champions were eliminated for the 10th time this season with ease as Josep Guardiola won 3-0 in his 1000th game as manager.
Reflecting on the defeat, Arne Slott took time to speak out about Van Dijk’s disallowed header and told reporters he believed Andy Robertson was not interfering with Gianluigi Donnarumma’s views.
“It’s difficult to give my opinion,” Slott told Sky Sports. It is clear that the wrong decision was made, at least in my opinion. He didn’t hinder what a goalie could do at all. Immediately after the game, someone showed me a goal from last season between City and Wolves that was conceded by the same referee.
“It took 13 seconds for the linesman to raise the flag saying he was offside. So there was obviously some communication, but like I said, it could have had a positive impact on the game for us.”
PGMOL referee Howard Webb subsequently issued a response to Liverpool’s appeal, saying it was “not unreasonable” to give Van Dijk his decision on Sunday afternoon.
Sadly, as the debate continues, Liverpool remain in a difficult position, sitting in eighth place in the Premier League. No one thought that would come from a team that was comfortably striding toward the title last season, but Slott must now find a permanent solution.
Whether that means a return to the transfer market is a big question, especially when it comes to looking for defensive reinforcements.
Liverpool and Arsenal scouts watching Wilfried Singo
Turkish media outlet Saba reported that a Liverpool scout spotted Singo in action during Galatasaray’s 3-0 victory over Ajax in the Champions League last week.
The Gunners have also had officials present to check on the right-back’s progress as they seek support from Julian Timber, although Ben White cannot be trusted to stand in for the Dutchman due to injury issues.
And the Ivorian played his part as the team kept a clean sheet and won three of their four Champions League matches, including a win over Liverpool.
The Reds got the most out of Shingo’s quality by silencing Kodi Gakpo on his left flank, and Galatasaray secured a famous 1-0 win at the end of September.
Shingo enjoyed a great game against the Reds, losing the ball only once, making four recoveries and winning more than half of his aerial duels. Gakpo, on the other hand, was limited to just three touches inside the Galatasaray box and made just one pass into the final third.
The 24-year-old has been in the spotlight over the past few years, and interest from both Arsenal and Liverpool is not too surprising. Described as “smart” by former AS Monaco teammate Thilo Köhler, Singo may be destined for the Premier League in 2026 in the biggest move of his career to date.
