Last summer was supposed to be big for Liverpool, but it was supposed to be an outsider, a big push to propel the Reds into the next season of success.
Arne Slot’s second season in charge has not gone to plan, however, and FSG are now in trouble for the Anfield head coach position. Are you staying or going? Many fans would argue that change is necessary, but those in the know believe that Slot will be given the keys to a third term, entrusted with putting Liverpool’s problems to rights.
Issues need to be addressed in attack and in the middle of the park, and while Liverpool’s defensive woes have eased over the course of the calendar year, sporting director Richard Hughes remains keen to sign at the back.
Virgil van Dijk will not follow long-term dance partner Mohamed Salah out the door this summer, but the veteran captain is expected to leave in one year, when his contract expires.
Liverpool plan to hijack the Premier League
Liverpool did, signing Jeremy Jacquet in January for £60m. Furthermore, Giovanni Leoni continues his rehabilitation from the ACL injury he suffered against Southampton earlier in the season.
Furthermore, Iraima Konate is about to renew his vows with the Anfield club. The French defender, who has left a lot to be desired this season, has agreed and agreed to a new contract this year, but now looks set to extend it.
Even with that in mind, Liverpool are interested in signing Marcos Senesi, exploring the possibility as the Argentine defender’s contract with Bournemouth comes to an end.
This is according to Caught Offside, who reveal that while Tottenham are leading the race for the experienced Premier League star and are in ‘advanced talks’ for his signature, Liverpool are still in the race to clinch a deal.
The report suggests that Senesi has already turned his nose up at interest from several top Serie A sides, and while he is currently leaning towards Tottenham following the Lilywhites’ base, Liverpool could shake their heads if they decide to step up the gas.
Why? However, TEAMtalk also reports that the Reds are growing more confident in signing the player due to a few hypes. Hughes already knows the defender’s agent and the player is good friends with Alexis Mac Allister.
Why Liverpool would repeat the Diaz and Senesi deal
If Liverpool pull off this exciting coup, Tottenham will feel like they are revisiting familiar and unwanted territory.
In January 2022, Spurs signed Dejan Kulusevski from Juventus, an initial loan that grew into a permanent deal. Lusevski is good, but they must miss out on Luis Diaz, who, according to ESPN, was on the verge of a move from Porto to north London before Liverpool stepped up their long-term interest.
Diaz has starred for Liverpool, playing the unlikely role of replacing Sadio Mane with aplomb. Diaz is not his predecessor from Senegal, but there is no question that he has done a job for Liverpool, he was instrumental in winning the Premier League last season.
Senesi can mimic that effect, albeit in a very different way. A full-back, he has the experience and ability to play a key role in Liverpool’s backline, especially given that it will be Bosman. He is not only good at football; Bournemouth writer Ben Pawlowski described him as a “beast” of a defender.
|
Marco Senesi’s Premier League form |
|
|---|---|
|
Match statistics (* out of 90) |
# |
|
The same (begins) |
31 (31) |
|
Contact* |
80.6 |
|
Accurate passes* |
48.0 (78%) |
|
Opportunities are created |
6 |
|
Item lost* |
16.2 |
|
Dribble success |
60% |
|
Football recovery* |
4.1 |
|
Facing + meeting* |
3.2 |
|
Delete* |
7.2 |
|
Duels won* |
5.2 (52%) |
|
Mistakes have been made |
2x |
After all, Senesi may be given a more important job after his first year, while Van Dijk will close the curtain in a year.
Plus, he’s a seasoned professional, just like Diaz was. When Liverpool welcomed the bright winger from Portugal, he was 25 years old.
Senesi may not be a top-flight signing like Diaz was when he left Liverpool, but the experienced defender could play a key role in returning to top form under the wing of Slot next season.
After all, Van Dijk is not young yet, while Konate is expected to stay, his performance this season left a lot to be desired.
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