Long-term target Ismaila Sarr’s arrival at Anfield could prove to be a major boost to Liverpool FC’s star-studded frontline but the Merseysiders should focus on using the transfer window to sign a new centre-half, according to ex-Red John Barnes.
Injuries to the first-choice trio of Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip has left Jurgen Klopp with no option but to draft in makeshift central defenders in Jordan Henderson and Fabinho and Barnes believes it has become crucial for the Merseysiders to add depth at the heart of the backline this January.
The former Liverpool FC star forward also reserved special praise for Watford attacker Ismaila Sarr, who has been long linked with a move to Anfield, with Barnes adding that should his old club sign the Senegalese international, they would have a brilliant long-term asset at their disposal.
‘Yes, if he wanted to be one of the front three, but, and I’ve said this before, we need a centre back,” said Barnes, as quoted by the Daily Mail.
‘Although a great player and looking forward he’d be fantastic player to have as part of the team, it’s not what we need at this very moment in time.
‘If they want to sign him as a long-term investment, then I think that’s great. But right now, this very season, we need to strengthen our defence so to find suitable players for this should be the priority.’
Klopp so far has been reluctant to fork out money in order to bring in fresh faces at the club as the Liverpool FC boss has argued that the financial ramifications of COVID-19 has made it difficult for his team to conduct their transfer plans in an orderly fashion.
