The Reds are looking to make a move for Uruguayan center-back Leandro Cabrera this summer as Jurgen Klopp attempts to bolster his defensive options at Anfield. Cabrera currently plays for Spanish side RCD Espanyol, whom he signed for earlier this year in the January transfer window.
However, with RCD Espanyol suffering relegating recently, Cabrera could look to seal a move elsewhere. The 29-year old center-back could be a good candidate for Liverpool FC’s defensive reinforcement issues. The Reds do need to sign another center-back in the likely event of Dejan Lovren leaving Anfield this summer.
With the Croatian unhappy over lack of first-team opportunities, the 31-year old is edging closer to a move to Russian side FC Zenit Saint Petersburg. Jurgen Klopp would as a result sign another central defender for the purpose of squad depth at the club.
Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, and Joel Matip being the first-choice center-backs for Klopp at Liverpool FC, Cabrera would sign on to become a squad-rotation option for the Reds. However, it is not a role that the 29-year old Uruguayan is likely to refuse. An opportunity to move to Anfield and play for Liverpool FC under a manager of Klopp’s stature does not come every player’s way, and Cabrera would be aware of that.
RCD Espanyol’s relegation to the Segunda División means that the Spanish side would have to let go of Cabrera for a cheap fee if an offer does arrive for the player. Liverpool FC have previous experience of poaching quality players from relegated sides.
The Reds had signed Andy Robertson from Hull City when the latter were relegated to the Championship following the end of the 2016-17 Premier League season. Robertson had cost Liverpool FC a meager sum of £8 million.
Similarly, Xherdan Shaqiri had joined the Reds upon being relegated to the Championship along with his former side Stoke City FC. Klopp had been able to sign the Swiss international after triggering his £13.5 million release clause.
Cabrera could very well become a worthy addition to the Liverpool FC first-team squad. The 29 year old has plenty of experience of playing at the highest level and has had prior stints with teams like Atletico Madrid and Getafe CF.
